Unlike the Mexico-U.S. border where fences stretch along the border and is patrolled by approximately 10,200 Border Patrol agents, the Canada-U.S. border has no fences and has less than 1,000 Border Patrol agents patrolling it. The Mexico-U.S. border stretches for nearly 2,000 miles whereas the Canada-U.S. border is double in size. At the Mexico-U.S. border more than 800,000 illegal immigrants have been detained this year as of May compared to slightly over 4,000 illegal immigrants detained at the Canadian border. Canadian and American law enforcement officials work closely along the Canada-U.S. border and conduct “parallel investigations.” While there are no plans to erect fences or walls along the Canadian border, there are plans to put in place a joint radio network. Canadians and Americans currently share law enforcement intelligence and patrol the border together at times. Since the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. has invested billions of dollars into the northern border by installing cameras, sensors and other technology. In addition, they have set aside funds to develop five air and marine stations.

The Canada-U.S. border is still of great concern to American officials since a millennium bomber trying to enter the U.S. was detained at the northern border. Last month Canadian and American officials uncovered an alleged terrorist plot near the border. Other criminal activities such as drug smuggling and human trafficking of sex workers occur at the border. Some American officials believe there should be a greater level of cooperation and that Canadians could do even more to patrol the northern border.