U.S. Tightens Security With Added Checkpoints At Peace Arch Border Last Weekend

If you need another reason to not visit the U.S. anytime soon, then here you go.

Last weekend, travellers reported that security measures have been tightened at the Peace Arch border crossing. Those looking to cross the border, be ready for further searching and questioning.

ADDED SECURITY

Last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday brought a lot of things– nice sunshine, breezy Spring afternoons, and also an additional checkpoint at the border. When heading back into Canada from the U.S., travellers noted that they had to face an extra level of security as they were trying to get back home.

🇺🇸➡️🇨🇦 Continue to expect major northbound delays approaching the #PeaceArch & #PacificHwy crossings due to ongoing @CBP operations. #I5 #SR543 #BCHwy99 #BCHwy15

🇨🇦➡️🇺🇸Southbound volumes are light. #Blaine #SurreyBC @wsdot_north @wsdot_traffic @CBPNorthwest pic.twitter.com/UQiaVu0kFl

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) May 2, 2025

Notably, on May 1, DriveBC’s X account posted that there were intense delays for travellers coming from the U.S. border into Canada at the Peace Arch crossing. These wait times were apparently due to “ongoing @CBP (Customs and Border Protection) operations.” The post also included some photos of the lineups of cars.

In a reply to a query on X, DriveBC also noted that it was “unclear exactly what’s going on. US customs has been conducting an operation throughout the afternoon.”

HEADING SOUTH?

The checkpoint has since been taken down as of Sunday, May 4.

Although these U.S. checkpoints operate legally within their jurisdictions and have been part of border security practices for decades, these new ones have nonetheless heightened tensions between Canadian and American citizens.

The political climate between the two countries has never been so tense. The additional security checkpoint at one of the busiest border checkpoints only adds to this growing hesitation.

Between newly–implemented travel policies and Canadians being detained at the border– as well as being turned away– it is no surprise that many Canadians are unsure about visiting their southern neighbours anymore. If you do plan on visiting the U.S. sometime soon, it is important that you are aware of what may be happening at whichever border crossing you are passing through.