As heavily-armed US Border Patrol agents are deployed unconstitutionally in Portland and elsewhere as a paramilitary rendition (kidnapping) force against nonviolent protesters, Canadians should be aware that in 2019 Canada and the US made amendments to the Canada-United States Preclearance Agreement which give US Border Patrol extended powers on Canadian soil.

According to academic HM Jocelyn (from https://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/opinion-border-crossing-rights-1.5382547 ): "U.S. officials can now carry sidearms in these preclearance zones, conduct strip searches, record and keep passenger information, and detain Canadian citizens. Even if a Canadian official is unwilling to conduct a search or has deemed a detainment unnecessary, a U.S. official can override that call. In other words, Canadian law enforcement can now be countermanded within Canada by Americans."

In the exact language of the bill, US Border Patrol can't even be sued by Canadians for improper arrest: "no action or other proceeding of a civil nature may be brought against a preclearance officer in respect of anything that is done or omitted in the exercise of their powers or the performance of their duties and functions" under the legislation.

Given their transition to an unconstitutional paramilitary organization in US cities, Canada must end this immunity for US Border Patrol and deny them any policing rights on Canadian soil. We demand our federal government revisit and strike these amendments to the Canada-United States Preclearance Agreement.