Clad in protective gear and armed, Tim Thayer starts the engines of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat on the Detroit River. As a marine interdiction agent, Thayer patrols the waterways along the Canada-U.S. border in the region, covering Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. This area presents a unique challenge as the border consists entirely of water, spanning 1,388 kilometers.
Situated south of Detroit across the river, Windsor, Ont., is connected to the U.S. by bridges and a tunnel, with millions of people crossing annually. Thayer keeps a watchful eye on the Windsor shoreline during enforcement patrols, monitoring for illicit activities such as smuggling of people, drugs, and firearms between the two countries.
Historically, the Windsor-Detroit corridor was a key route for smugglers during the Prohibition era. Today, although illegal activities on the Detroit River have decreased, the presence of numerous recreational boaters poses a challenge for law enforcement.
U.S. President Donald Trump previously raised concerns about Canada’s role in drug trafficking, leading to the imposition of tariffs. However, the U.S. Supreme Court later overturned these tariffs. Despite Trump’s claims of porous borders, data from the Detroit sector indicates significant drug seizures, with a portion of guns recovered in Ontario linked back to the U.S.
While Canada is seen as a transit point for drugs from Mexico and South America, the flow of drugs and weapons primarily moves northward. Improved staffing and resources are crucial for enhancing border security and addressing cross-border crime issues effectively.
Despite political tensions, U.S. border agents emphasize the importance of collaboration with their Canadian counterparts. As Thayer observes an RCMP boat passing by with the Gordie Howe bridge in sight, it symbolizes the complex relationship between the two neighboring countries.