Tim Thayer, a marine interdiction agent, operates a U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat equipped with four 350-horsepower engines on the Detroit River. Assigned to the Detroit sector covering Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, Thayer patrols the Canada-U.S. border, which spans 1,388 kilometers of water. The unique geography in this area includes Windsor, Ontario, positioned south of Detroit and connected by bridges and a tunnel, facilitating the movement of millions of people annually.
Thayer conducts enforcement patrols on the river, monitoring for illicit activities such as smuggling of people, narcotics, and firearms between the two countries. While historically known for Prohibition-era alcohol smuggling, today’s challenges also involve recreational boaters, complicating law enforcement efforts.
The U.S. border officials in the Detroit sector seized a significant amount of illegal drugs in 2025. Despite President Trump’s claims of a porous border, statistics suggest a more nuanced reality. While some illegal activities occur northward, guns are also trafficked northward, highlighting cross-border security concerns.
Canada’s role in drug trafficking, particularly related to fentanyl, has been a topic of debate. Recent data shows minimal fentanyl seizures at the Canada-U.S. border compared to the Mexico-U.S. border, challenging perceptions of the northern threat. Despite political tensions, U.S. and Canadian border agencies maintain strong partnerships to address border security issues effectively.
