Canada has detained more Mexicans in 2 months than in all of 2016

The CanadaBorder Services Agency detained more Mexican migrants in the first two months of 2017 than it did in all of 2016, new statistics show.

According to the CBSA, 444 Mexicans had been detained in Canada as of March 9.

In 2016, 410 Mexicans were held by Canadian border officials.

The spike comes immediately after Canada's federal government lifted its visa requirement forMexican citizens in December. In January alone, 70 Mexicans made refugee claims upon arriving in Canada.

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At that time, Conservative Foreign Affairs critic Peter Kent told CBC News the change was not surprising.

"We anticipated there would be, if not an immediate spike, a surge, and it seems that iswhat'shappening."

Many Mexicans looking north have shifted their focus from the United States to Canada as President Donald Trump vows to crack down on America's undocumented immigrants, about half of whom are Mexican.

The office of Immigration and Refugee Minister Ahmed Hussen says his department is monitoring the situation.

"As with all visa lifts that Canada undertakes, we continually and carefully monitor migration trends to ensure the integrity of Canada's immigration system," spokespersonCamielle Edwards said in a statement. "The visa lift for Mexico has only been in place since December2016. It would be premature to speculate on future policy at this point."

The CBSA can detain foreign nationals if it is believed they pose a danger to the public, if their identity is unclear or if they are deemed unlikely to appear for removal or for a proceeding.

Previously, the largest number of Mexicans detained by the CBSA was in 2012 when 667 people were held.

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