B.C. protesters deplore deportation blitzes
VANCOUVER - Tearful families and immigration activists are demanding an end to what they call American-style tactics by officers with the Canada Border Services Agency.
Gathering outside the doors of Vancouver's federal immigration offices, protesters deplored a series of raids at construction job sites, where border services officers rounded up immigrant workers who lacked proper work permits.
The handful of protesters allege border services agents brought in film crews to document at least three surprise blitzes against the workers for a reality TV show.
Harsha Walia, with the group No One Is Illegal, says the raids are alarming and reminiscent of similar mass raids south of the border.
Walia says detainees she spoke to today are currently undergoing interviews and a few are expected to have hearings by Friday.
The Canadian Border Services Agency hasn't returned repeated requests for comment.
