The Canada Border Services Agency made multiple arrests at Hastings Racecourse on Monday.
A number of border service agents and members of the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch came to the race course at 6 a.m. and spoke to people who were working in the barns.
Sources tell Global News up to 25 people were taken away for questioning. About 15 people were later released.
The CBSA confirmed that it was at the race course on Monday “conducting investigations related to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.”
“The CBSA conducts enforcement actions when it is believed that a contravention of the Customs Act or the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act has occurred.
“As the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to provide any further details at this time.”
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The Great Canadian Gaming Corporation released a statement saying that a number of people employed by horse owners had been escorted off site.
“These individuals were working in the backstretch under the employment and supervision of various horse owners and trainers (who are not affiliated or employed by Great Canadian Gaming Corp.) that are stabled at Hastings Racecourse to race,” it said.
The corporation went on to say that the people mentioned are “not Hastings Racecourse employees, or affiliated with Great Canadian in any way.”