Global Affairs Canada says Canadians’ arrest and detention cases abroad rose in the 2025–26 fiscal year, largely due to cases in the United States.
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Global Affairs Canada reports that Canadians’ arrest and detention cases opened between 2025 and 2026 rose to 1,981, an increase of about 20% compared with the previous year and over 43% compared to 2023 and 2024.
The United States accounted for the largest share of the growth, with 577 arrest and detention cases—the highest destination in the report—while Mexico recorded 308 cases, up 16% from the previous year.
The report also breaks down the duration of cases: 1,047 of the total arrest and detention cases lasted less than a week, while 934 lasted one week or longer.
Global Affairs Canada additionally notes a nearly 18% increase in consular assistance for “well-being and whereabouts” cases involving Canadians who had gone missing or lost contact with loved ones, with the increase attributed in large part to cases in the U.S. and Thailand.
In the report, Global Affairs Canada says, “When a Canadian stops communicating or misses expected check-ins, it can be deeply concerning for family and friends,” and it encourages Canadians travelling abroad to use Travel Advice and Advisories, Registration of Canadians Abroad, and Travel Updates.
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