Scientists at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, along with the U.S. Forest Service, found the hidden aquifer while looking at drill holes left behind by previous geothermal experiments and realized the rock was still wet further down than previously thought.
How does the discovery compare to Lake Mead?
Researchers say the reservoir water totals are at least 81 cubic kilometers, tripling Lake Mead’s capacity.
“It is a continental-size lake stored in the rocks at the top of the mountains, like a big water tower,” earth scientist and the study’s co-author Leif Karlstrom said.
The Cascade Range extends for about 700 miles from northern California to British Columbia, and has been built up by volcanic activity over millions of years.
The high Cascades, within Oregon, where volcanic rocks date back 8 million years, have smooth slopes and ongoing volcanic activity. Meanwhile, the older Western Cascades that date to 45 million years ago, are filled with canyons and valleys carved by flowing streams.
The researchers used the gradual shift between these two zones to study how volcanic processes have affected the region over time, with the reservoir discovery coming as a complete surprise.
What does the discovery mean?
Researchers say the untapped source of water is a reason to celebrate, but caution that it’s fed by snow, and snowpack is expected to decline significantly in the Cascades in the coming decades.
“If we don’t have any snow, or if we have a run of bad winters where we don’t get any rain, what’s that going to mean?” USFS Geologist Gordon Grant said. “Those are the key questions we’re now having to focus on.”
Could AI decode animal communication and transform conservation efforts?
Imagine a world where humans can understand animals. That world is closer than you might think, thanks to research in Montreal.
Researchers at McGill University are using artificial intelligence to decode animal vocalizations. According to the Associated Press, the project aims to unlock the secrets of animal communication by studying the chirps of zebra finches and the calls of beluga whales. The goal is to bring humans and the natural world closer together, potentially transforming conservation efforts.
Postdoctoral fellow Logan James, who leads the research in partnership with the Earth Species Project, believes they are making significant progress. Researchers isolate and record unique sounds by simulating specific calls during interactions with finches. These recordings are then fed into AI models, which are being trained to understand animal “language.”
AI in wildlife conservation around the world
Montreal isn’t the only place where AI and conservation intersect. In Uganda, white-backed vultures are outfitted with AI-enabled trackers to combat poaching. According to the Wall Street Journal, these trackers analyze vulture behavior in real-time, alerting rangers to possible poaching incidents—an innovative approach that’s helping protect endangered species.
Meanwhile, in Costa Rica, biologist Jenna Lawson has deployed 350 audio monitors across the Osa Peninsula to track endangered Geoffrey’s spider monkeys. As the Associated Press reported, the AI-analyzed data has provided critical insights into the wildlife refuge’s health.
With 28% of plant and animal species at risk of extinction, experts say AI could revolutionize conservation efforts.
Ethical concerns surround AI in animal research
Despite its promise, the use of AI in animal research has sparked ethical concerns. Critics worry about the potential exploitation of animals or disruptions to their natural habitats in the name of technological progress. Experts are calling for establishing ethical guidelines to ensure the responsible use of AI in conservation efforts.
James, of McGill University, is optimistic about AI’s potential to decode animal communication. He believes this research could foster a deeper appreciation for the planet, especially as humanity faces the growing challenges of climate change.
Canada weighs own tariffs, oil export limits to US in response to Trump threat
Canada is considering its own tariffs on U.S. goods in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threat. As part of a potential retaliatory move, Canada could impose tariffs on up to $150 billion worth of U.S. products. The possibility of limiting oil exports to the U.S. is also reportedly under consideration.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is stepping down by March amid political turmoil, has indicated he is open to a “dollar-for-dollar” response. This means any U.S. tariffs would likely be met with similar measures targeting U.S. imports from Canada.
Some products, such as orange juice, could be on the list of targeted goods but more significant items, including oil exports, are also part of the discussion. However, Canadian politicians are divided on whether to limit oil exports to the U.S. The Canadian province of Alberta, a major energy producer, plays a key role in the debate.
Trudeau acknowledged that such retaliatory actions would ultimately hurt both Canadians and Americans. He met with Canadian provincial leaders on Wednesday, Jan. 15, to discuss how the country should respond if Trump moves forward with a 25% tariff on Canadian goods.
While most provincial leaders agreed that oil export tariffs should remain on the table to pressure Trump, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who attended a meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend of Jan. 10, disagreed.
Smith, who represents Alberta’s energy interests, stated that she would not support export tariffs on the province’s energy resources.
I had a constructive discussion with my fellow Premiers on how best to deal with the threat of tariffs from the incoming U.S. administration. We agreed on several strategies and I look forward to continuing to work with them on this critical issue.
Canada exports 80% of its oil to the U.S. The U.S. also relies on Canada for more than half of its oil imports.
Trump has cited the need for better border security and the U.S. trade deficit with Canada as reasons for the proposed tariffs. In response, Canada has increased its border security personnel and technology, including the deployment of Blackhawk helicopters and more drones.
Trump will be inaugurated Monday, Jan. 20, with Alberta’s premier expected to attend.
Iran and Ukraine offering US help to put out wildfires in Los Angeles
Offers of help are coming from unlikely nations as wildfires continue to burn in Los Angeles, California, which have scorched tens of thousands of acres. The latest assistance offers are coming from U.S. adversary Iran and war-torn ally Ukraine.
Both nations are offering to send firefighters to Los Angeles as crews continue to battle wildfires that have displaced thousands of people and killed at least two dozen individuals.
Kyiv said on Sunday, Jan. 12, it may send around 150 firefighters, while Tehran said it is ready to send an unspecified number of “rapid response teams” with the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
Nearly 1,500 members of the California National Guard are already fighting the fires, along with teams from other states, as well as Mexico and Canada.
The California National Guard called Ukraine’s offer “nothing short of extraordinary” but stayed mum on Iran’s offer.
Tehran and Kyiv’s offers come as tensions with Iran are expected to intensify under President-elect Donald Trump’s second term and funding for military aid to Ukraine remains in doubt.
Iranian state media has also floated inflammatory rhetoric toward the U.S. in the wake of the fires, saying that the Los Angeles fires are nature’s retribution for U.S. support of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.
There is also speculation that Tehran is offering assistance because Los Angeles County is home to more than 100,000 Iranians, according to the 2020 U.S. Census, which is reportedly the largest Persian population outside of Iran.
Currently, it’s unclear if the United States is accepting help from either Kyiv or Tehran.
Trump suggests using military, economic force to expand America
In a wide-ranging press conference from Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump touched on a bunch of topics, including a $20 billion foreign investment to build data centers in the U.S. He also discussed plans to revoke Biden’s recent ban on offshore oil and natural gas drilling as well as expansion strategies for the United States.
Trump reiterated his goals of acquiring the Panama Canal, which has been under Panama’s sole control since 1999, and Greenland, a territory of Denmark.
Greenland ‘not for sale’
Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., is leading an American delegation currently in Greenland, though the country’s prime minister said he is there as “a private individual.”
The Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen responded to Trump’s remarks Tuesday, saying Greenland was not for sale.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede reiterated this point, saying “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders. Our future and fight for independence is our business.”
A reporter asked the president-elect if he could assure that he would not use any military force to take control of either the Panama Canal or Greenland.
“I can’t assure you, you’re talking about Panama and Greenland,” Trump replied. “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two but, I can say this we need them for economic security. The Panama Canal was built for a military. I’m not going to commit to that now.”
In response to those remarks, the prime minister of Denmark called the United States its country’s “closest ally” and did not believe the U.S. would use any force to secure Greenland.
Panama’s foreign minister repeated earlier comments from the country’s president that the sovereignty of the Panama Canal is not negotiable.
Trump aims for Canada
Trump also said he is looking to turn Canada into the 51st state, but said in that case he would not use military force to do so.
There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.
Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading and security partner.
“[I’d use] economic force because Canada and the United States — that would really be something,” he said. “You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like. It would also be much better for national security. Don’t forget, we basically protect Canada.”
Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his response in a post on X saying, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”
Trump’s ‘Gulf of America?’
The president-elect also spoke of one more geographical goal of his in the upcoming term: to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” saying it “has a beautiful ring to it.”
Not long after his remarks, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said she directed her staff to draft legislation for the name change.
Wildfires force thousands to evacuate Southern California
Three massive wildfires are burning out of control in Southern California, putting thousands of homes at risk. And President-elect Donald Trump shares his plans to acquire Greenland, the Panama Canal and bring Canada as the 51st state. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.
Southern California wildfires force thousands to evacuate
Three separate wildfires are burning in the Los Angeles, California, area, and there is no end in sight, as strong winds are fueling the flames. The most extreme of the three is the Palisades Fire, which spans nearly 3,000 acres and has already forced 30,000 residents to evacuate.
Cities surrounding Pacific Palisades, including Malibu, issued evacuation orders. Officials there told all residents to prepare to leave their homes, whether they were under evacuation orders or not since the inferno was moving so quickly.
All hands are on deck to fight the #PalisadesFire in Southern California. California is deeply grateful for the brave firefighters & first responders battling the blaze.
We will continue to mobilize resources and support local communities as they respond to this severe weather. pic.twitter.com/JZrYy85e4z
The neighboring city of Santa Monica also issued an evacuation order for the northern part of the city. It also closed the area to the public, warning of an immediate threat to life.
As thousands of firefighters continue to battle the flames, authorities work to find the fire’s cause.
A second wildfire, dubbed the Eaton Fire, burns near Pasadena. A city spokeswoman said it has “created its own firestorm” with flying embers igniting at least a dozen other spot fires.
So far, the Eaton Fire has consumed about 1,000 acres. It engulfed homes and forced more than 100 people to evacuate from a nursing home — some in wheelchairs and on gurneys. A federal disaster declaration is now in effect for the Eaton Fire.
Crews are also battling the Hurst Fire about 100 acres in the San Fernando Valley, which is in the northern part of Los Angeles County. The Hurst Fire also prompted evacuation orders.
The Los Angeles County canceled schools in 19 districts Wednesday, Jan. 8. Plus, more than 200,000 people are without access to power, either because of the powerful Santa Ana winds or because a utility provider turned off electricity to prevent additional fires.
The forecast called for the winds to continue for days, producing gusts that could top 100 miles per hour in the mountains and foothills.
Biden administration asks federal appeals court to block 9/11 plea deals
The Biden administration asked a federal appeals court to block a plea agreement for accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The controversial deal would spare Mohammed from the death penalty for his role in planning the terror attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
The deadly attack rocked the U.S. and began the war on terrorism.
In court filings Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Justice Department argued the government would be irreparably harmed if the guilty pleas were accepted for Mohammed and two co-defendants in the 9/11 attacks.
It said the government would be denied a chance for a public trial and the opportunity to “seek capital punishment against three men charged with a heinous act of mass murder that caused the death of thousands of people and shocked the nation and the world.”
The Defense Department negotiated and approved the plea deal but later revoked it.
However, attorneys for the defendants argued the deal was already legally in effect and that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who began the administration’s efforts to throw it out, acted too late.
Mohammed is set to enter his guilty plea on Friday, Jan. 10, if the appeal is not granted. His co-defendants, accused of lesser roles in 9/11, are due to enter theirs next week.
Harris, Johnson deliver eulogies for President Jimmy Carter
The 39th president died last week at the age of 100.
Carter’s body had been lying in repose since Saturday, Jan. 5, at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta before being transported Tuesday morning to Washington D.C.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson each delivered a eulogy during Tuesday’s ceremony
“We all know that his care for humanity didn’t stop at building homes,” Johnson said. “In the face of illness, President Jimmy Carter brought lifesaving medicine. In the face of conflict, he brokered peace. In the face of discrimination, he reminded us that we are all made in the image of God. If you were to ask him why he did it all, he would likely point to his faith.”
Harris highlighted Carter’s faith. She said, “James Earl Carter, Jr. loved our country. He lived his faith. He served the people. And he left the world better than he found it.”
Carter’s body will lie in state through Thursday morning, Jan. 9, and then be taken to the National Cathedral for a state funeral. Biden is expected to deliver a eulogy.
Trump suggests using military, economic force to expand America
In a wide-ranging press conference from Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump touched on a bunch of topics, including a $20 billion foreign investment to build data centers in the U.S. He also talked about his plans to revoke Biden’s recent ban on offshore oil and natural gas drilling as well as expansion strategies for the United States.
Trump reiterated his goals of acquiring the Panama Canal, which has been under Panama’s sole control since 1999, and Greenland, a territory of Denmark.
Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., is leading an American delegation currently in Greenland, though the country’s prime minister said he is there as “a private individual.”
The Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen responded to Trump’s remarks Tuesday, saying Greenland was not for sale.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede reiterated this point, saying “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders. Our future and fight for independence is our business.”
A reporter asked the president-elect if he can assure that he would not use any military force to take control of either the Panama Canal or Greenland.
“I can’t assure you, you’re talking about Panama and Greenland,” Trump replied. “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two but, I can say this we need them for economic security. The Panama Canal was built for a military. I’m not going to commit to that now.”
In response to those remarks, the prime minister of Denmark called the United States its country’s “closest ally” and did not believe the U.S. would use any force to secure Greenland. Panama’s foreign minister repeated earlier comments from the country’s president that the sovereignty of the Panama Canal is not negotiable.
“[I’d use] economic force because Canada and the United States — that would really be something,” he said. “You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like. It would also be much better for national security. Don’t forget, we basically protect Canada.”
Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his response in a post on X saying, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”The president-elect also spoke of one more geographical goal of his in the upcoming term: to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, saying it “has a beautiful ring to it.”
Not long after his remarks, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said she directed her staff to begin drafting legislation for the name change.
Police: Former soldier used AI to plan Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion attack
New details are emerging about the man who blew up a Tesla Cybertruck outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day. Las Vegas police said Tuesday the attacker used generative AI, including ChatGPT to plan the attack.
An investigation into former soldier Matthew Livelsberger, 37, found his search history on ChatGPT included questions about firearms and explosives. Straight Arrow News reporter Lauren Taylor has more details on the investigation into the Cybertruck explosion.
Girl Scout cookie season begins, 2 flavors discontinued
Girl Scout cookie season has arrived. The annual tradition is meant to teach young girls about entrepreneurial skills through selling boxes of cookies.
Almost everyone has a favorite, of course, but if yours is Girl Scout S’mores or Toast-Yay! Cookies — bad news. The Girl Scouts plan to retire those two flavors later this year.
The organization said discontinuing those two flavors may lead to something new and delicious.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces resignation
Justin Trudeau said he is stepping down as Canada’s Prime Minister and the leader of the ruling Liberal Party. He intends to leave office once a new ruling party leader is chosen.
Trudeau made the announcement Monday, Jan. 6, after reports said he was expected to announce his resignation that week.
“Every morning I’ve woken up as prime minister, I have been inspired by the resilience, generosity and the determination of Canadians,” Trudeau said. “I have fought for this country, for you.”
He noted his administration’s support for Ukraine and his policy during the COVID-19 pandemic as some of his greatest achievements since he took power in 2015.
“We rallied to support each other through the pandemic … to stand strong with Ukraine, and our democracy, to fight climate change, and to get our economy ready for the future,” Trudeau said. “We are at a critical moment in the world.”
However, Trudeau said he does have a regret while in office: the country’s election process.
“If I have one regret, particularly as we approach this election – well, probably many regrets that I will think of,” he said. “But I do wish we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country so that people could simply choose a second choice, or a third choice on the same ballot.”
What happens next?
Trudeau said that the country’s Parliament will be suspended until March 25 while a new leader is chosen. This means no parliamentary business can take place and the legislature temporarily stops working. The recess allows time for the selection of a new leader, which could be a party leadership change or possibly a broader government reset.
History of Justin Trudeau
In 2008, Trudeau entered the political scene when he was elected a member of Parliament, and then as leader of the Liberal Party five years later.
In 2015, he became one of Canada’s youngest-ever prime ministers, winning a clear majority of votes. Trudeau continued to push progressive values on a global platform, seeing himself as the antidote to President-elect Donald Trump.
He won the 2019 and 2021 elections, but his popularity began to decline after Trump revealed his proposed tariffs increase and has received calls to resign from his own party following poor polling results.
Voters said they’re dissatisfied with the prime minister over housing affordability, inflation and healthcare.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expected to resign this week: Reports
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation as early as Monday, Jan. 6, according to multiple news outlets. It comes as his party, the Liberal Party, is set to hold its national caucus meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Last month, Trudeau’s finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, publicly announced her resignation in a letter criticizing the prime minister. Since then, calls for his resignation have grown publicly and privately within his own party.
This is just the latest in a series of recent political struggles for the prime minister. In September, Trudeau faced a no-confidence vote in parliament, which later failed.
Trudeau and Trump have been locked in a public back-and-forth over tariffs with Trump threatening to put a 25% levy on Canadian imports. Top Canadian officials promised retaliation.
Congress to certify Trump’s win; Biden issues warning to ‘not forget’ riots
Congress prepares to re-affirm President-elect Donald Trump as the next president of the United States on the fourth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots. And after a weekend of blizzard-like conditions in the Plains and Midwest, a major winter storm aims for the East Coast. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Congress to certify Trump’s win; Biden issues warning to ‘not forget’ Jan. 6 riots
Senators and members of the House of Representatives will gather to tally the electoral votes of all 50 states and Washington, D.C., confirming Trump will be the 47th president of the United States.
Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Jan. 5, House Speaker Mike Johnson said a major winter storm heading toward the area would not prevent the congressional joint session from counting the electoral votes.
Monday’s joint session comes four years after the certification of votes affirming President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory. Biden’s certification turned into chaos when rioters stormed the Capitol, looking to prevent then-Vice President Mike Pence from presiding over the certification. Many rioters insisted the election was stolen from Trump.
This year, Vice President Kamala Harris will oversee the electoral count of the election she lost and declare Trump the winner. Harris already conceded the race to Trump after he won 312 electoral college votes, surpassing the 270 needed to win the presidency. Harris won 226 votes.
Following the 2021 Capitol attack, Congress passed the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022. This act clarified that the vice president does not have the power to determine, accept, reject or adjudicate the vote results.
On Sunday, Biden spoke to new Democratic members of Congress about the events that unfolded in 2021 and the importance of the date.
“Tomorrow’s Jan. 6; we gather to certify the results of a free and fair presidential election and ensure a peaceful transfer of power,” Biden said. “It’s a day that [for] most of our history we took for granted, the sixth, but I hope we never take it for granted again.”
Biden wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post on Sunday. In it, he told Americans that while some may no longer want to mention what happened four years ago, it cannot be forgotten.
“We should be proud that our democracy withstood this assault. And we should be glad we will not see such a shameful attack again this year…” he wrote. “The election will be certified peacefully. I have invited the incoming president to the White House on the morning of Jan. 20, and I will be present for his inauguration that afternoon. But on this day, we cannot forget.”
Monday’s proceedings are the last official opportunity for any member of Congress to object to the electoral votes. Following the certification, Trump will be sworn into office on Jan. 20 for his second term. He vowed to pardon those convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 riots.
Biden signs Social Security Fairness Act into law
Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law Sunday. It’s expected to be one of the last major pieces of legislation of his term.
Today, I signed legislation expanding Social Security benefits for millions of teachers, firefighters, nurses, police officers, other public employees, and their spouses and survivors.
The law repeals a rule that limited certain public sector job retirees who collect pensions — such as firefighters, teachers, postal workers and police officers — from also claiming social security benefits.
The new law also eliminates limits on the benefits that surviving spouses can receive after they die.
The Senate passed the bill in December after the House approved it in November with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign this week: Reports
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation as early as Monday, according to multiple news outlets. It comes as his party, the Liberal Party, is set to hold its national caucus meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Last month, Trudeau’s finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, publicly announced her resignation in a letter criticizing the prime minister. Since then, calls for his resignation have grown publicly and privately within his own party.
This is just the latest in a series of recent political struggles for the prime minister. In September, Trudeau faced a no-confidence vote in parliament, which later failed.
Trudeau and Trump have been locked in a public back-and-forth over tariffs with Trump threatening to put a 25% levy on Canadian imports.
Details emerge about New Orleans suspect’s actions in weeks before attack
More details emerged about the man authorities said killed 14 people and injured dozens more when he drove a rented truck into a crowd of revelers in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
The FBI said Sunday the attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, visited the city twice in the weeks leading up to the deadly act of terrorism and recorded video of the area using Meta Smart Glasses.
The glasses allow users to record video hands-free and can also livestream on Meta platforms. Investigators said Jabbar wore the glasses to capture video while he rode a bicycle through the city’s French Quarter. He reportedly wore the glasses during the attack on Bourbon Street but was not livestreaming.
Authorities also believe Jabbar set fire to a short-term rental house in New Orleans where investigators found bomb-making material. They said he planted two bombs in the French Quarter before the truck attack but neither detonated.
Jabbar was killed after opening fire on responding police officers.
Millions of Americans under blizzard alerts as winter storm moves east
A major winter storm will continue to move through the Mid-Atlantic region today, followed by dangerously cold temperatures spreading across the central and eastern U.S. pic.twitter.com/sogRlbC6Y9
Major cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia are preparing for snowy and icy conditions Monday and into Tuesday, Jan. 7. Meanwhile, parts of Virginia are expecting 5 to 12 inches of snow.
Impacts of this weather system could also be felt in the South, with severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes and damaging winds expected to hit Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and other southern states Monday night.
2025 Golden Globes crown best in movies, television
The 2025 Golden Globes rolled out the red carpet Sunday night for the best and brightest stars of film and television — but only a select few walked away with awards.
In the movie categories, the big winners were the films “Emilia Pérez” and “The Brutalist.” “Emilia Pérez” won four awards, including best musical or comedy. “The Brutalist” took home best drama and two other awards.
Over on the TV side of things, “Shōgun” topped the competition with four awards, including Best TV Drama. “Hacks” won Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy.
It was an especially memorable night for actress Demi Moore, who won her first acting award. She won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role as an aging Hollywood star who undergoes a cloning procedure in “The Substance.”
India investigates Canadian colleges, alleged human trafficking: Report
Indian officials are investigating a potential connection between Canadian colleges and two Mumbai-based entities accused of illegally transporting students across the Canadian-U.S. border in a suspected human trafficking operation, according to CBC News. Authorities launched an investigation after a family froze to death while entering the U.S. from Canada in 2022.
Indian authorities began their probe after a family surnamed Patel from India froze to death. They were attempting to cross the border from Manitoba into Minnesota in January 2022. The family had been trying to reach human smugglers on the other side.
These entities are believed to have facilitated student admissions to Canadian universities, helping individuals secure study permits.
India’s Enforcement Directorate found that the two Mumbai-based entities referred more than 35,000 students to colleges abroad each year. The Enforcement Directorate said arrangements were made for Indian nationals to gain admission to Canadian colleges and universities and apply for student visas.
The investigation revealed that more than 250 Canadian colleges and universities had agreements with the two Mumbai entities.
However, India’s Enforcement Directorate said in a press release that, “Once individuals or students reach Canada, instead of joining the university, they illegally cross the U.S.-Canada border and never join any university(ies) in Canada.”
The allegations have not yet been brought to court, and the specific Canadian colleges involved have also not been identified.
In the case of the Patel family, two suspects –– a 50-year-old man from Florida and a 29-year-old Indian national –– were convicted. They were found guilty of running a human trafficking scheme that involved smuggling Indian migrants across the border. Both men are awaiting sentencing.