Surrey mayor Brenda Locke has asked Ottawa to declare a federal state of emergency. This plea comes after 35 extortion crimes hit the city in British Columbia this month. "The City of Surrey is experiencing an acute and escalating crisis of organized extortion, intimidation, and targeted shootings resulting in fear, trauma, and economic harm to residents and business owners," Locke said while reading the motion. She added, "Residents and business owners are living in constant fear. Public safety is at risk, and the social and economic impact is real. The federal government needs to act now to give authorities the additional tools we need to keep our residents safe." The mayor wants more cops and RCMP units to be sent immediately to Surrey. In 2025, Surrey saw 132 extortion attempts. In 49 cases, shots were fired at homes and businesses. Nearby cities Abbotsford and Delta also reported dozens of such cases, according to CBC. The extortion method is clear: after shootings target houses or shops, criminals contact owners with threats for money. Surrey Councillor Pardeep Kooner, a lifelong resident, said, "As a Surrey resident and a Canadian, I kind of feel like the federal laws have held us hostage … in the city that we love. It's kind of hard to move through life always looking over your shoulder." Most extortionists come from Punjab, while most victims are from the South Asian community. Indian comedian Kapil Sharma’s cafe in Surrey was shot thrice in 2025 since it opened in July. Police arrested 20-year-old Harshdeep Singh and 21-year-old Hanspreet Singh early Monday morning after the latest shooting. Both are foreign nationals and are in custody until January 30. Immigration officials have been informed.