Clad in protective gear and armed, Tim Thayer starts up a U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat with powerful engines on the Detroit River. Thayer, a marine interdiction agent, patrols the waterways along the Canada-U.S. border in the Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois region, where the border is entirely water-based. Windsor, Ontario, sits south of Detroit, connected by bridges and a tunnel, with millions crossing annually.
Thayer keeps a watchful eye on the Windsor shoreline, scanning for any suspicious activity during enforcement patrols. The Detroit River sees movement of people, drugs, and firearms between the two nations. The area’s history includes being a key route for alcohol smuggling during Prohibition.
While smuggling activity has decreased, the presence of recreational boaters poses challenges for law enforcement. Intelligence and partnerships are crucial in securing the area. Recent data shows the movement of drugs and guns, with a significant number of seized guns in Ontario traced back to the U.S.
In 2025, U.S. President Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, citing drug and human trafficking concerns. However, the reality of border security is complex, with differing statistics on the flow of illegal goods. The relationship between U.S. and Canadian border agencies remains strong despite political tensions.
Efforts to combat drug and weapon trafficking involve close collaboration between the two countries. Thayer observes an RCMP boat passing by, with the Gordie Howe bridge symbolizing both the strong and strained bond between the U.S. and Canada today.