Ontario targets cross-border crime with 'Operation Deterrence': What it means for Windsor-Detroit crossings

The Windsor-Detroit corridor, a critical hub for trade and travel between Canada and the United States, stands to be impacted by Ontario’s newly announced “Operation Deterrence.”

The operation, which involves deploying additional provincial police resources to monitor areas outside of official border crossings, comes amid renewed border tensions following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods — citing illegal immigration and drug trafficking concerns.

“Ontario has been calling on the federal government to step up and address safety and security concerns at the border. We need to see words turned into visible action,” Premier Doug Ford said in a news release issued Tuesday morning.

“In the meantime, Ontario is stepping up with Operation Deterrence to crack down on illegal border crossings and illegal guns and drugs. A more coordinated Team Canada approach that includes more boots on the ground is the only way to detect, deter, and disrupt illegal activity and ensure the safety and security of Canadian and American communities.”

Local impact on Windsor-Detroit crossings

The Windsor-Detroit border is North America’s busiest land crossing, making it a key focus for both trade and security. About 8,000 trucks cross the Ambassador Bridge daily, carrying an estimated $400 million worth of goods — a significant portion of the $2 billion in trade flowing between the two countries every day.

Windsor’s strategic location means it plays a major role in monitoring illegal activity, and provincial officials say Operation Deterrence is bolstering these efforts.

Since Dec. 6, the province said OPP officers have logged over 6,000 hours of patrols using drones, boats and off-road vehicles to monitor unstaffed areas along the border.

The initiative also builds on partnerships like the Joint Forces Border Drug Interdiction Task Force, involving the OPP, RCMP, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Broader context: Trump’s tariff threats

Operation Deterrence comes amid renewed border scrutiny following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods, unless stricter measures are taken to curb illegal drug trafficking and migration.

In response, Canada announced a $1.3-billion border security package last month, outlining plans to enhance surveillance, increase staffing, and introduce advanced detection technologies.

Premier Ford has been vocal about the need to bolster Ontario’s role in addressing border concerns, even hinting last month at buying a helicopter for the Windsor Police Service to patrol the Detroit River.