Canada

Photo: Contributed

Five groups of recently arrived Romanian nationals are suspected by Canadian border officials of being part of a human smuggling ring.

Eighty-five people who came in Canada over the last few months have now been classified as "irregular arrivals."

Forty have been arrested under newly enacted immigration laws that allow for the mandatory detention of those suspected to have arrived in Canada via smugglers.

The others couldn't be detained either because they were too young or came to Canada before the new laws went into effect in June.

Officials are expected to release more details about the suspected smuggling operation later today.

The designation of irregular arrival means that the individuals can't apply for permanent residence status for at least five years or sponsor their families to come to Canada during that time.