The Canada Border Services Agency has incarcerated 10 asylum seekers in Manitoba jails – some of whom may be considered a danger to the public — but are refusing to release any details about who they are, why they’ve been detained or whether they illegally crossed the border into Manitoba.

Manitoba Justice has confirmed there are currently 10 “immigration holds” incarcerated at four separate facilities in the province. As of March 6, there were three at the Winnipeg Remand Centre, three at Milner Ridge, two at the Brandon Correctional Centre and two at Headingley jail, according to Manitoba Justice.

However, it’s unclear whether some or all of the individuals are asylum seekers who have illegally entered Manitoba in recent months. More than 200 people have illegally crossed the border at Emerson since January 1.

“Manitoba Justice is holding these individuals on the strength of an order of detention from the CBSA,” a Manitoba Justice spokesperson said in an email. “The order does not contain information that distinguishes an immigration hold from a refugee hold so we can not separate out any further details.”

The Winnipeg Sun has repeatedly requested information from the CBSA this week about the detainees, including why they have been jailed and whether they pose a danger to the public.

But CBSA media relations officer Jacquie Callin said the agency will not release any information about the detainees, including how many may have criminal records or are otherwise considered a danger to the public.

“Detention statistics specific to recent refugees claimants with criminality are not available,” Callin said in an email.

CBSA can detain those seeking refugee status in Canada if they have a criminal record, pose a danger to society, are considered a flight risk or if there’s some question about their true identity.

Federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, whose portfolio includes CBSA, promised last year to dramatically reduce the number of immigrants incarcerated in provincial jails. He pledged instead that the majority of those subject to detention would be housed in CBSA facilities.

However, with the flood of illegal immigrants flowing into Canada this year, many of those considered a threat to public safety are being incarcerated in provincial jails, including in Manitoba. Like most provinces, Manitoba’s provincial jails are already bursting at the seems from overcrowding and have little capacity to absorb an influx of illegal asylum seekers. Premier Brian Pallister said on Thursday that Manitoba needs more help from the federal government to help the province cover the costs of providing support and services to those entering the province illegally. That would include the cost of incarceration.

The province is currently negotiating a funding agreement with CBSA to cover some or all of those costs, a Manitoba Justice official said. In the meantime, the CBSA is paying the province a per diem for each detainee in provincial jail.

Those entering Canada illegally are using a loophole in the law which normally prevents illegal immigrants from crossing the border. Under the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the U.S., refugee claimants can only apply for asylum in one country. But those who cross the border illegally are not turned away once they’re on Canadian soil. Instead, they’re intercepted by police, arrested and held for processing.

CBSA screens all applicants, including criminal record searches, and determines whether the asylum seeker is eligible to apply for refugee status. If they’re not, they’re detained and usually deported.

While most asylum seekers are eligible for refugee status, some do have criminal records, are a threat to public safety and may even be wanted by justice officials abroad.