Speaking on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said that apprehensions of Iranian nationals at the U.S.–Canada frontier have risen sharply, calling the trend “worrisome.” Mullin claimed that many of those arrested have ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The interview aired 21 June 2026 and was widely syndicated Monday. Mullin linked the surge to what he described as the near-closure of the southern border under Trump administration policies, forcing smugglers to reroute through less-guarded northern sectors such as Vermont’s Swanton Station and North Dakota’s Pembina crossing. CBP data released last week show 428 encounters with Iranian citizens along the northern border since 1 May — more than double the total for the same period in 2025. For multinational companies with employees entering through Canadian hubs like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver en route to U.S. worksites, the comments foreshadow lengthier secondary inspections and potential delays at land, rail and pre-clearance airport facilities. Travel-risk consultancies predict an expansion of joint CBP–RCMP patrols and the possibility of National Guard deployments to high-activity zones. Mobility managers should advise Iranian, Lebanese and Syrian nationals — as well as travellers born in countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism — to carry comprehensive employment documentation and allow extra time for border crossings. Companies may wish to route critical assignees through U.S. pre-clearance airports where biometric vetting is already in place and legal counsel can be engaged prior to denial of entry.
![DHS Secretary Warns of Spike in Iranian Nationals Crossing Northern Border]()
At this juncture, companies and individual travelers may also find value in working with VisaHQ, an online visa and passport facilitation service that guides applicants through U.S. entry requirements, document gathering and appointment scheduling; its dedicated U.S. portal offers real-time updates on policy shifts and personalized support that can reduce the risk of border disruptions.
While Mullin’s assertions have drawn criticism from civil-rights advocates who say DHS is conflating nationality with security risk, the department has not backed off its posture. As the summer relocation season begins, organisations should anticipate more rigorous questioning and be prepared to support employees who face travel delays or revocations of ESTA eligibility under heightened security reviews.
At this juncture, companies and individual travelers may also find value in working with VisaHQ, an online visa and passport facilitation service that guides applicants through U.S. entry requirements, document gathering and appointment scheduling; its dedicated U.S. portal offers real-time updates on policy shifts and personalized support that can reduce the risk of border disruptions.
While Mullin’s assertions have drawn criticism from civil-rights advocates who say DHS is conflating nationality with security risk, the department has not backed off its posture. As the summer relocation season begins, organisations should anticipate more rigorous questioning and be prepared to support employees who face travel delays or revocations of ESTA eligibility under heightened security reviews.
