Tim Thayer, a marine interdiction agent, dons a black bulletproof vest and carries a gun on his hip as he starts the engines of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat on the Detroit River. Assigned to patrol the waterways along the Canada-U.S. border in the Detroit sector, Thayer covers an area that spans Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. This region presents a unique challenge as the entire border between the U.S. and Canada is water-based, stretching 1,388 kilometers. Notably, Windsor, Ontario, lies south of Detroit, separated by the river and linked by bridges and a tunnel, with millions of people crossing annually.
Thayer keeps a watchful eye on the Windsor shoreline during his enforcement patrols, monitoring for any suspicious activities like the movement of people, narcotics, and firearms between the two countries. While the Detroit River was a key route for smugglers during the Prohibition era, the situation has evolved. Despite a decrease in illegal activities today, the presence of numerous recreational boaters poses challenges for law enforcement.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of security threats at the northern border have not materialized as expected. Recent statistics show that in 2025, U.S. border officials in the Detroit sector seized over 4,200 kilograms of illegal drugs, including a significant amount of fentanyl. However, the direction of drug trafficking remains undisclosed. Notably, a substantial number of firearms recovered from crimes in Ontario were traced back to the U.S., indicating a flow of weapons northwards.
Although there are concerns about drug and weapon trafficking, experts suggest that the primary threat from Canada to the U.S. is not as portrayed by Trump. Notably, the U.S. faces more significant challenges at its southern border with Mexico in terms of drug inflow. Despite political tensions, U.S. border agents emphasize the continued strong partnership with Canadian authorities. As Thayer observes an RCMP boat passing by, with the Gordie Howe bridge in the backdrop, it symbolizes the complex yet enduring relationship between the two nations.