U.S. Ambassador Insists Canadian Device Searches and Detentions Are Not Part of a Pattern

The American ambassador to Canada has responded strongly to recent travel advisories from Ottawa, emphasizing that concerns over the searching of phones at the U.S. border are unfounded and suggesting that negative experiences are exceptional rather than the norm. Speaking in an interview on Friday, U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra sought to reassure Canadians, highlighting the importance of their visits to the United States for business and tourism.

“We welcome Canadians to come in and invest, to spend their hard-earned Canadian dollars at U.S. businesses,” Hoekstra said, noting that any reports of problems at the border reflect isolated incidents rather than a systematic issue. “If a Canadian has had a disappointing experience coming into the United States, I’m not denying that it happened, but I’m saying it’s an isolated event and it is not a pattern.”

Last April, the Canadian government updated its travel advice for citizens heading to the United States, warning them to be prepared for possible detainment and scrutiny of electronic devices. The move followed several reports of Canadians being subjected to intensified searches and even detention at border crossings, raising concerns among frequent travelers.

Hoekstra, however, dismissed fears about device searches. He stated clearly, “Searching devices and all of that is not a well-founded fear. We don’t do that. America is a welcoming place.” He also pointed out that Americans have made similar complaints about Canadian border procedures, underscoring that cross-border frustrations can run both ways. According to Hoekstra, consular services have received cases where Americans reported feeling mistreated when entering Canada, but he characterized these as rare occurrences often resulting from individual error rather than policy.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) responded by reaffirming its commitment to professional conduct. In a statement, CBSA highlighted that officers are bound by codes of conduct and ethics requiring them to treat all travelers fairly and respectfully. “Treating people with respect, dignity and fairness is fundamental to our border services officers’ relationship with the public and a key part of this is serving all travellers in a non-discriminatory way,” the agency stated.

Despite official reassurances, some tensions remain. Recent months have seen a significant decline in air travel between Canada and the United States, with airlines reducing flights in response to waning demand. Travel industry data indicates nearly a 40 percent drop in flights year-over-year as of February, reflecting persistent unease among travelers.

Public perception mirrors these trends. A survey conducted in May showed that just over half of Canadians—52 percent—believe it is no longer safe for all Canadians to travel to the United States, while almost a third disagreed and a fifth remained unsure. Feelings of being unwelcome were also widely reported, with similar proportions expressing discomfort about traveling south of the border.

The situation has had particular consequences for minority groups. Some LGBTQ+ organizations have opted out of attending major international events in the United States, including World Pride in Washington and United Nations conferences in New York, citing concerns about border scrutiny, especially amid policy shifts affecting transgender and nonbinary individuals.

Nevertheless, Ambassador Hoekstra encouraged Canadians to look past the rhetoric and continue to explore opportunities in the United States. “If you decide that you’re not going to come down or whatever, that’s your decision and you’re missing an opportunity. There are great things to see in America,” he said, adding that many visitors ultimately report positive experiences despite initial apprehensions.