‘Canada is not Minnesota,’ minister says in reaction to U.S. immigration raids

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree says he will not pass judgment on the recent U.S. federal operations in Minnesota that left two residents dead, but he emphasized Canada’s commitment to due process when enforcing its own immigration laws.

“What I would say is that Canada is not Minnesota,” Anandasangaree said in an interview earlier this week.

“My responsibility is not to opine on other countries’ processes but, more importantly, to ensure that our process is in line with Charter values, the rule of law and due process.”

Anandasangaree, who oversees the Canada Border Services Agency, said Ottawa removed more than 22,000 people last year “in a compassionate and humane manner,” while following due process “every step of the way.”

This month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection carried out intensive operations in Minnesota, prompting large protests and public anger, particularly after the deaths of Minneapolis residents Renée Good and Alex Pretti.

Good was shot in her car on Jan. 7 by an ICE officer. Pretti was killed at a demonstration on Jan. 24 by Customs and Border Protection officers.

Anandasangaree downplayed suggestions that Canadian agencies may be limiting intelligence-sharing with U.S. counterparts in response to the controversy.

“It’s certainly true that Canada and the United States are going through a difficult patch in our long history, one that is being addressed by our prime minister,” he said.

He added that co-operation between the two countries’ agencies continues. As examples, he cited U.S. participation in a G7 security ministers’ meeting in Ottawa late last year and the RCMP’s role in a U.S.-led case against alleged drug kingpin Ryan Wedding.

“Our strongest relationship continues with the United States, notwithstanding the economic challenges we face and the broader international context Canada finds itself in today,” Anandasangaree said.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said he raised the situation in Minnesota during a first ministers meeting in Ottawa on Thursday, noting the issue resonates strongly in his province, which borders the state.

“Even when we were getting on the plane at the airport, I had some folks come up and say they have close family living in Minnesota, and they’re very torn up about what’s happening,” Kinew told reporters after the meeting.

Kinew declined to detail how other premiers responded.

“I did say that for Mr. Pretti and Ms. Good, I want us as a country to speak out when we see things that don’t align with our Canadian values,” he said. “I want us to continue to step up.”

He said Canada must balance moral concerns with practical priorities such as addressing the cost of living, reviewing the Canada–U.S.–Mexico trade agreement and ensuring the country is well-positioned for upcoming negotiations.

“We also have to look clearly at some things happening right next to us that are very unjust and be able to say we will continue being a voice of moral clarity,” Kinew said.

Kinew also argued that President Trump’s confrontational approach toward Canada is intended to put the country at a disadvantage in negotiations.

“If we are the voice of moral clarity, maybe we can destabilize Trump heading into the negotiations at a moral level,” Kinew said. “Maybe we can use morals to shift the conversation to a level he can’t keep up with.

“That approach might help us in trade talks, but it’s also the right thing to do.”

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