Windsor, Ont. – Constable Ian Smith previously spent much of his time at the RCMP’s office in Windsor, Ont., where he worked on cases and handled administrative tasks. Serving with the border integrity unit, he mentions that he often did not need to be in uniform.
But that recently changed.
Smith now dons a uniform and body armour as he drives a marked RCMP vehicle to help patrol roughly 800 kilometres of Ontario's border with the United States, in addition to his usual investigative work.
Since Canada committed $1.3 billion to enhance border security in an effort to fend off U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats, his usual workday has been altered, even though some tariffs were implemented anyway.
While Ottawa has denied Trump’s claims that illegal migration and fentanyl smuggling from Canada are a "grave" threat to Americans, it has still committed to improving border patrols and the country's immigration system, in addition to appointing a fentanyl czar.
Smith stated that he wishes to contribute his share.
"These 24-hour patrols are something we've recently started implementing too," he mentioned during an interview while driving alongside Windsor’s portion of the Detroit River, which serves as part of the boundary separating Ontario from Michigan.
I think it's crucial because crimes aren’t limited to happening just during daytime, as I’m sure you’re aware, so our aim is to discourage such behavior.
Under the new strategy, RCMP officers are more frequently interacting with residents living close to the borders to collect intelligence and request their assistance in preventing drug trafficking and human smuggling into and out of Canada.
During a gloomy day recently, Smith moved cautiously across the icy river with brief, deliberate strides, approaching a cluster of individuals engaged in ice fishing. He inquired whether they had noticed anything out of place.
His aim, he stated, is "to be present, to be visible and truly safeguard the border as effectively as possible."
Between 30 and 40 officers serve at the Windsor detachment, according to Smith, which includes personnel detailed from various units as well as two Ontario Provincial Police members aiding in border protection efforts. Having spent nine years at this detachment, he previously worked with an RCMP division based in Saskatchewan for six years before his current posting.
During every shift, between six and eight officers cover extensive distances across hundreds of kilometers along the Ontario-U.S. border—from Tobermory situated on Lake Huron down to Port Burwell located at Lake Erie. This expansive territory encompasses various terrains such as wetlands, numerous lakes, and rivers. The team relies heavily on drones for monitoring these aquatic areas.
Recently, the unit acquired its third drone, and officers will receive training to use this latest addition.
Sergeant Ian Diplock, who is one of the drone operators at the unit, mentioned that these unmanned aircraft are used to actively survey the region or address any unusual occurrences.
"They allow us to gain a perspective from above, elevating our view beyond just ground-level observation," he explained following his demonstration on assembling and operating a drone at the detachment.
He mentioned that law enforcement officials are utilizing drones when they lack clear visibility during maritime patrols on their boats. The regulations state that a drone must remain within visual range, limiting its operation to no more than one kilometer away from the operator.
"The region we're responsible for patrolling is extensive, however, our team can operate across the entire area. Therefore, as they move around, they will carry the system with them, ensuring comprehensive coverage," explained Diplock.
Smith mentioned that the unit possesses two vessels for patrolling once the ice dissolves and thaws in the springtime. Additionally, multiple officers have undergone training to conduct monitoring operations using helicopters which the RCMP has leased under the broader strategy aimed at enhancing border security.
Over half of the $1.3 billion set aside for a period of six years in Ottawa’s initiative will be directed towards the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, with an allocation of $355 million designated for the Canada Border Services Agency.
The RCMP stated that they have deployed additional assets to promptly enhance their capacity for monitoring border regions throughout the nation.
The federal police force stated that they were unable to disclose the exact count of personnel assigned across the 8,891 kilometers of the Canada-U.S. border because of "reasons related to operational confidentiality." However, they mentioned that they have "moved staff to regions known for past instances of unauthorized entry."
Robin Percival, an RCMP spokesperson, stated in a release that the strategy seeks to identify and impede the flow of fentanyl, provide robust new resources for police forces, improve collaborative efforts among agencies, boost data exchange, and reduce excessive cross-border traffic.
She mentioned that the RCMP was granted 40 drones from the Canadian Armed Forces and acquired extra drones, counter-drone equipment, and various surveillance tools over the last year.
Two Black Hawk helicopters have additionally been leased to assist in stopping "unauthorized entries of individuals, merchandise, and narcotics" from either side of the border, she stated.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are not the sole force seeking to strengthen border security measures.
In January, Ontario stated that their plan involves approximately 200 additional provincial police officers who will be enhancing border patrols. Alberta revealed plans for a new sheriff unit dedicated to patrolling its borders with the United States. Additionally, conservation officers in Manitoba have been assisting with increased border monitoring within their province.
In the meantime, the Canada Border Services Agency announced that they will hire over 100 additional personnel including new officers, intelligence analysts, and specialized chemists using extra funding from the government. They also intend to enhance their capabilities by training more detection dog units as well as acquiring advanced equipment and scanning devices.
The agency stated that its Operation Blizzard aims to focus on fentanyl and other synthetic drugs entering and exiting Canada.
As Trump voices worries about the influx of fentanyl and immigrants into the United States, statistics reveal that illicit guns and narcotics are entering Canada from the southern border at a concerning rate.
Data provided to The Canadian Press indicate that CBSA officers have confiscated a minimum of 2,345 guns originating from the United States since 2022.
The data indicates that over 24,000 kilograms of different narcotics, which include more than two kilograms of fentanyl, were seized during the same timeframe at the U.S.-Canada border.
The officers at the Windsor RCMP detachment mentioned that they are currently handling several inquiries connected with over 3,891 kilograms of illegal narcotics confiscated by the CBSA at only two points of entry—Windsor and Sarnia, Ontario—since January 2022. They also stated that an additional 386 kilograms were seized earlier this year in 2025.
Criminals attempt to take advantage of the border from both directions," CBSA representative Jacqueline Roby stated in an official release. "American officials rely on us just as much as we depend on them to exchange data and detect threats to our nations.
Smith, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer stationed in Windsor, acknowledges that the illicit trafficking of weapons and narcotics into Canada is a significant concern.
In an instance like this, a pouch containing several pistols was confiscated when the drone transporting it across the St. Clair River just below Sarnia, Ontario, became entangled in a tree in 2022.
Regarding drug trafficking, he stated, "This is a major issue; the quantity of narcotics entering Canada is significant."
Smith stated that there is strong collaboration across the border between U.S. and Canadian officials, who promptly notify one another regarding significant confiscations of illicit arms or narcotics.
He mentioned that he has no recollection of the Americans ever reaching out to the Windsor RCMP detachment regarding fentanyl originating from Canada.
Canadians have reacted with a combination of anger and frustration towards Trump’s assertions regarding Canada, the current tariff dispute, and his remarks about potential annexations. In response, many individuals are boycotting American goods and canceling their trips to locations within the United States.
Smith mentioned that his family has decided to temporarily halt their visits to neighboring Detroit, the city across the river from Windsor, for the time being.
"For now, I’ll hold onto my funds in Canada until these tariff threats or actual tariffs cease," he stated.
The report from The Canadian Press was initially released on March 16, 2025.
Shafiq Hassan from The Canadian Press
