Tim Thayer, a marine interdiction agent, patrols the Detroit River wearing a black bulletproof vest and carrying a gun. He operates a U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat with four 350-horsepower engines, covering the waterways along the Canada-U.S. border in the region. Thayer’s duty station is in the Detroit sector, which encompasses Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The border between the U.S. and Canada here spans 1,388 kilometers of water, presenting a unique challenge.
Geographically, Windsor, Ontario, is situated south of Detroit, separated by the river and linked by two bridges and a tunnel, with around seven million individuals crossing annually. Thayer keeps a close watch on the Windsor shoreline during his enforcement patrols, monitoring for any suspicious activity involving people, narcotics, and firearms moving between the two countries.
The Detroit River historically served as a key route for smugglers transporting alcohol during the Prohibition era. While illegal activities on the river have diminished, the high volume of recreational boaters poses a challenge for law enforcement. According to Kris Grogan, the chief of external communications at CBP’s air and marine operations, intelligence and partnerships are vital for securing the area effectively.
In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump accused Canada of allowing drugs, specifically fentanyl and human traffickers, to enter the U.S., leading to the imposition of tariffs. However, the U.S. Supreme Court later overturned these tariffs. Despite Trump’s claims about border security, statistics reveal a more complex reality.
In the Detroit sector in 2025, U.S. border officials seized over 4,200 kilograms of illegal drugs, including almost 15 kilograms of fentanyl. Notably, most guns recovered in Ontario crimes trace back to the U.S., indicating a flow of firearms into Canada. While drug and weapon trafficking between the countries is predominantly northward, challenges persist in border security.
Amid ongoing political tensions, U.S. border agents emphasized continued collaboration with Canadian counterparts. The bond between the two nations, symbolized by the Gordie Howe bridge, reflects both strength and strain in the current relationship.