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Last verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to IRPA ExplorerLast verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca
PART 3: Enforcement
§138

Temporary assistants

Temporary assistants

🍁 In Simple Terms

When authorized, immigration officers have the full powers of a peace officer — including powers of arrest and detention from the Criminal Code — to enforce this Act. In an emergency, an officer can temporarily deputize a civilian to help, and that person takes on the officer's authority for the duration of the emergency.

Affects: Persons subject to removal or detention
Legal Text — IRPA Section 138

(1)An officer, if so authorized, has the authority and powers of a peace officer — including those set out in sections 487 to 492.2 of the Criminal Code — to enforce this Act, including any of its provisions with respect to the arrest, detention or removal from Canada of any person.

Temporary assistants

(2)An officer may, in cases of emergency, employ a person to assist the officer in carrying out duties under this Act. That person has the authority and powers of the officer for a period of no more than 48 hours, unless approved by the Minister.

Cross-References
In Practice
Official Source: Justice Canada — IRPA s. 138 (authoritative, may differ from this display)
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