Immigration Minister's Inaction on Deporting Violent Refugee Sparks Justice Concerns
In a case that underscores significant failures within Canada's justice and immigration systems, a violent refugee from St. Vincent continues to evade deportation despite a longstanding order. Oral Carver Lewis, a repeat offender with a history of crimes including robbery and armed assault, has been under a deportation order since 2019. However, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) cannot execute this order without explicit permission from Immigration Minister Lena Diab, which has not been granted.
A Pattern of Violence and Threats
Lewis's criminal activities span over a decade, with convictions from 2012 to 2023. In January 2022, he escalated his behavior by threatening to kill an Ontario Crown prosecutor during court proceedings, making vulgar comments and exposing himself. This incident was not merely an attack on an individual but a direct assault on the integrity of the justice system itself. His prior offenses include domestic violence, robbery, and multiple weapons charges, despite numerous bans intended to deter such conduct.
Protected Person Status and Legal Hurdles
Lewis entered Canada at age 33 and was granted protected person status in 2010 after claiming asylum on the basis of being gay. However, a recent court noted that he now denies being gay, stating he made the claim solely to remain in Canada. This admission raises questions about fraud in his asylum application, yet immigration officials have not revoked his status. Under current law, CBSA requires special ministerial approval to deport individuals with protected person status, creating a bureaucratic barrier that has left Lewis undeportable.
Current Situation and Public Safety Risks
As of early 2026, Lewis remains in Canada, having been sentenced to seven years for a knifepoint robbery in 2020, with only six months left to serve after pre-trial credit. Without Minister Diab's authorization for deportation, he is set to be released back into the public, posing ongoing safety risks. Although a judge recently declared him a "long-term offender" with close supervision post-release, this measure strains limited resources and offers no guarantee against future crimes. For instance, the CBSA recently reported a similar case where a supervised child sex offender attempted to import illegal materials.
Broader Implications for Justice and Immigration
This case highlights systemic issues in how Canada handles violent offenders with refugee status. The refusal to deport Lewis, despite his violent history and fraudulent asylum claim, points to potential failures in immigration enforcement and ministerial accountability. It raises concerns about public safety and the erosion of trust in the justice system, as repeat offenders like Lewis continue to exploit legal loopholes. The need for reform in deportation protocols and refugee status verification is increasingly urgent to prevent similar scenarios in the future.
