Ontario Strengthens Border Surveillance with the United States

Wednesday 08 January 2025 - 14:33

The Canadian province of Ontario has implemented a security operation aimed at bolstering border surveillance along its boundary with the United States.

The initiative, named "Operation Deterrence," seeks to curb illegal border crossings, as well as the trafficking of weapons and illicit drugs, according to Ontario's Premier, Doug Ford, in an official statement.

As part of this effort, Ontario’s police force has deployed a rapid response team of 200 officers tasked with enhancing border security measures.

This announcement follows warnings from the U.S. President-elect, Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports unless Canada takes additional steps to secure the border.

In response, Ontario officials recently participated in a joint planning and preparedness exercise with federal authorities to improve coordination along the border. Meanwhile, the Canadian federal government has unveiled a $1.3 billion funding plan to strengthen border controls and surveillance.

The federal initiative includes new strategies for detecting fentanyl, closer collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the acquisition of advanced equipment such as drones for aerial monitoring, and expanded powers for the Border Services Agency to inspect international shipments.