Reports indicate that human traffickers, often referred to as "coyotes," have been utilizing TikTok to advertise illegal border crossing services from Canada into the United States. While the accounts involved are no longer active and the veracity of the advertisements couldn't be immediately verified, TikTok confirmed the removal of such content for violating community guidelines against promoting human smuggling.
Representative Ryan Zinke, a Montana Republican and chair of the Northern Border Security Caucus, expressed concerns about the vulnerability of the northern border, citing instances of individuals on terrorist watchlists crossing into the US. He emphasized the vast expanse of the border and the challenges in maintaining adequate surveillance. A significant portion of the border, particularly in Montana, remains unprotected, making it susceptible to illegal crossings.
The New York Post's investigation revealed several similar advertisements targeting individuals, particularly from India, seeking passage into the US. These advertisements allegedly offered "safe" same-day crossings for substantial fees. Government data indicates a significant number of Indian nationals apprehended by Border Patrol after crossing from Canada.
New York Republican Representative Nicole Malliotakis has urged the Justice Department to investigate TikTok and other social media platforms linked to these trafficking activities. This situation underscores the growing concern over the increasing use of the northern border for illegal crossings, although the southern border remains the primary route.
This isn't the first instance of social media being used for such purposes. Previous reports highlighted the use of TikTok, YouTube, and WhatsApp to advertise similar services for migrants seeking entry from Mexico after the expiration of Title 42. Furthermore, cases like that of Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan national who leveraged TikTok to encourage illegal activities, demonstrate the platform's potential for misuse.
Since the start of President Trump's second term and the implementation of stricter immigration enforcement measures, illegal crossings at the southern border have reportedly decreased significantly. The focus on border security and the crackdown on criminal aliens are cited as contributing factors to this decline.
