A person was arrested under an immigration warrant at a Pitt Meadows mall

Officers arrived at Meadowtown Mall in Pitt Meadows just after 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, as part of an investigation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. They arrested one person who was subject to an immigration warrant issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

One witness described an explosion that shook their vehicle, followed by a large cloud of smoke. The witness said a tactical team then arrived and made an arrest. Another witness said police had a man on the ground in handcuffs and that a police dog was involved. Both witnesses reported hearing a loud bang.

Rebecca Purdy, a senior CBSA spokesperson, confirmed the agency was on site Friday with assistance from its Emergency Response Team and Maple Ridge RCMP. She said the agency could not provide the individual’s identity under the Privacy Act, but there were no concerns for public safety.

Purdy said CBSA inland enforcement officers actively investigate in an effort to locate and arrest people subject to immigration warrants. She described inland investigations as an important tool for identifying people who may be inadmissible to Canada. The CBSA receives information from various sources, including referrals from law enforcement agencies, and welcomes tips from the public about suspicious cross-border activity, including possible fraudulent documents. People with information can call the toll-free Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060 or complete the secure online reporting form. Purdy said all tips are reviewed and referred for enforcement action as necessary.

She added that everyone subject to immigration enforcement action, including people ordered to be removed from Canada, has access to due process under the law, including judicial review at the Federal Court.