This week saw unexpected arrests conducted by the Canadian Border Services Agency in collaboration with the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch at Hastings Racecourse. The horse people present during the raids were shocked to find out that first thing in the morning people are being taken away for questioning. Trainers and other employees were outraged by the cuffings of foreign workers during the agency raid, as hours later they were still shaken.
Monday morning saw plainclothes agents make their way to the Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver. The agents took some 26 individuals hired by the horse owners at the racetrack backstretch away. The raid shocked people and some of them were in distress for their friends. Hours after the arrests, lack of information and fear of the unknown has taken over Hastings Racecourse, as information issued is limited.
Canadian Border Services Agency Arrested Workers
For the time being, the Canada Border Services Agency has not revealed the reason for the unexpected arrests that kicked off this week. The arrests conducted by the agents suggest that there has been a breach of the Customs Act or the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. However, this has not been confirmed as of today.
The only thing certain is that the Canada Border Services Agency has launched a probe linked to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. What took place at the racecourse early in the morning has been caught on tape and paints a gnarly picture. The plainclothes officer asks one of the horse people to identify the foreign individuals he had employed.
When the barn worker refused to answer any of the officer’s questions without a lawyer present, another officer clarified that he is not being arrested and there is no need for a lawyer to be present. However, the CBSA has the right to conduct arrests if there is a belief of a breach of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Grooms working at the backstretch have since stated that they felt like they were questioned because of their nationality.
Paperwork Might Be the Issue
Mexico workers present at the Hastings Racecourse barn felt intimidated, as they were repeatedly asked about their nationality and to produce IDs for more information. People that were there at the time confirmed that the agents had lists of people that they located and asked questions. Horse trainer Steve Hansen was among the people that saw people being cuffed and taken away.
He pointed out that the 26 foreigners are believed to have the necessary documents allowing them to work in Canada. Furthermore, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch has to issue mandatory licensing for them to even get to the stables at the racetrack. Many of the workers there are there for several months only, arriving in February to help around the horse owners.
They make sure the live season goes according to plan and without any hiccups. When the winter comes again, they return to Mexico. Trainer Craig McPherson had one of his workers taken away which concerned him greatly, as they have been working together for five years. He pointed out that local people refuse to work this job, which is why foreigners have to do it.
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