Ottawa: There has been a sharp rise in illegal crossings into the U.S. from Canada, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection recording a significant increase in migrant encounters between border posts, especially along Quebec’s border with New York and Vermont. Smugglers are shifting their operations to Canada as the southern U.S. border tightens. The situation is politically sensitive and could affect U.S.-Canada relations, especially with concerns about Canada’s screening process. Both nations are stepping up efforts to stop human smuggling and secure the border more effectively.