Whatcom County, WA — Travelers heading north into British Columbia continue to encounter U.S. Customs and Border Protection exit checkpoints near the Canadian border, a practice federal officials say is legal and ongoing, though it remains confusing and controversial for some drivers.
The frequency of the checkpoints have been reduced since the end of summer, but they are still being conducted with more frequency than prior to the Trump Administration taking office.
The checkpoints, conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, are typically positioned before vehicles reach Canadian inspection booths, allowing U.S. officers to question travelers as they leave the country.
These operations have been observed at and near major border crossings in Whatcom County, including the Peace Arch Border Crossing and Pacific Highway Border Crossing, where traffic volumes fluctuate sharply depending on holidays, events, and cross-border travel demand.
What Exit Checkpoints Are — and Are Not
According to CBP policy, exit checkpoints are used to:
- Verify citizenship and travel documents
- Intercept individuals with outstanding warrants or immigration violations
- Disrupt human smuggling and cross-border crime
CBP has stated that these checkpoints are distinct from Canadian border inspections and are conducted independently of the Canada Border Services Agency.
While CBP officers may ask questions, drivers are not entering Canada at that point, and Canadian officials are not involved in U.S. exit screening.
Legal Authority and Public Confusion
Under federal law, CBP has broad authority to conduct inspections and brief questioning within a reasonable distance of the U.S. border, even for outbound traffic. Civil liberties advocates have long questioned how that authority is exercised, particularly when stops appear routine rather than intelligence-driven.
For many travelers, the distinction between U.S. exit screening and Canadian entry inspection is unclear, especially during peak travel periods when lines back up well south of the border itself.
CBP has not released detailed, public statistics on how often exit checkpoints are deployed or how many travelers are questioned, citing operational security.
Impact on Cross-Border Travel
Local residents and frequent cross-border travelers say the checkpoints can:
- Increase wait times during busy weekends
- Add an additional layer of questioning before Canadian inspection
- Create uncertainty for travelers unfamiliar with the process
Border communities in Whatcom County are particularly sensitive to these impacts, as cross-border travel plays a significant role in the local economy and daily life.
No Change Announced, Officials Say
Federal officials have not announced any new policy changes related to outbound checkpoints. CBP has previously stated that exit screening remains part of its layered border security strategy, particularly at high-traffic northern crossings.
Travelers are advised to:
- Carry valid identification and travel documents
- Expect potential brief questioning before reaching Canada
- Monitor wait times and border conditions before departing
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