U.S. enemies like China and Russia are now focusing on the northern border with Canada, FBI Director Kash Patel told lawmakers Wednesday.
Speaking before the House Intelligence Committee, Patel said the crackdown at the southern border forced adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran to shift their focus north.
"The enemy adapts," Patel said.
Patel clarified that these countries haven't abandoned the southern border entirely. But stronger security and efforts to block terrorists have made illegal movement harder since President Trump took office.
Under Trump, there's been a major shift. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seen encounters drop by 90% in most southern sectors compared to last year.
That drop is thanks in part to thousands of U.S. troops at the border. They've helped CBP with barriers, patrols, and surveillance.
This change follows years of record illegal crossings during the Biden administration. Many of those trying to cross weren't from North or Latin America.
Chinese nationals led the surge. In 2023, over 24,000 were caught crossing—up from just 450 the year before. That’s a jump of more than 5,200%, CBP data shows.
Between 2022 and 2025, Patel said, about 178,000 Chinese nationals tried to cross the southern border.
Now, with the south tighter, Patel says threats could move north. He warned enemies will try old tactics where the U.S. isn’t watching as closely.