SURREY Mayor Brenda Locke on Thursday said in a statement that she was appalled to learn that suspects identified by B.C.’s Extortion Task Force are claiming refugee status to evade deportation.

Locke said: “Surrey has been disproportionately impacted by these extortion attempts, and those responsible must face swift justice.

“Law-abiding Canadians and foreign nationals in our city deserve better than to see our legal and immigration systems abused by criminals to extend their stay in Canada.

“The federal government must move to immediately fix Canada’s immigration and deportation laws to protect our communities. Guests in our country who break our laws need to be sent home.

“Surrey is proud to welcome a broad diversity of Canadians who deserve to feel safe in their homes, their businesses, and their neighbourhoods. Our federal government must step up and do their part to keep our residents safe from international thugs and criminals.”