Article content

VANCOUVER — This city’s transit police force once boasted it had referred more undocumented migrants to federal immigration authorities than any other local police agency.

Then came the custody death of Lucia Vega Jimenez, and accusations train stations were being turned into “border checkpoints.”

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Some police softening approach to illegal immigrants, as more cities consider providing 'sanctuary' Back to video

As of this week, the transit authority is striking a different tone. Strict conditions have been imposed on when transit officers can turn over someone to the Canada Border Services Agency. In some cases, officers will just let illegal migrants go.

“We’re not in the business of seeking out illegal immigrants,” said Transit Police spokeswoman Anne Drennan.

We’re not in the business of seeking out illegal immigrants

Other Canadian police agencies seem to be taking a similar approach — and Ottawa is not happy about it.

Some police agencies have adopted something akin to don’t ask, don’t tell: They will ask about immigration status only in limited circumstances — and may turn a blind eye if an undocumented migrant is a victim or crime witness. The idea being, people should not be afraid to seek help just because they are undocumented.