U.S. border officials say a 22-year-old Indian national was taken into custody at the Peace Bridge crossing at Fort Erie after Canadian officers refused him entry over the weekend. The case is drawing renewed attention to cross-border screening practices that affect travel between Ontario and Western New York, a corridor frequently used by travellers from Ontario’s South Asian communities.

According to a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the man – identified as Vishat Kumar – had previously entered the United States without authorization in 2024 and did not appear for a scheduled asylum interview. CBP officers said he attempted to enter Canada on Sunday but was turned back by the Canada Border Services Agency.

During a secondary inspection on the U.S. side, officers allege Kumar attempted to hide his identity. CBP says biometric checks confirmed he was using a false name and birth date. Further review linked him to an Interpol notice indicating he was wanted in India in connection with a murder investigation.

CBP transferred Kumar to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He is being held at the Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, New York, while U.S. authorities begin removal proceedings. Canadian officials have not yet commented on whether the case will affect any ongoing security coordination at border crossings in Ontario or Western Canada.