Amid tariffs, Canada boosts security in Buffalo area

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Amid the threat of tariffs from the Trump administration, the Canadian government is boosting security at the border.

The Ministry of Transportation has set up a checkpoint for commercial trucks looking for anything suspicious. The checkpoint is on the Peace Bridge as trucks leave Buffalo and head into Fort Erie.

In addition to this, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said it has boosted patrols at the border as well. A law enforcement source said Canadian patrols have been on the lower Niagara River. Federal agencies said border security is important to police on both sides of the border.

Last month, amid the threat of the tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to increase security at the border.

News 4 received this statement from Superintendent Dale Foote, Officer in Charge Border Integrity, of Royal Canadian Mounted Police Central:

“Canada and the United States share the longest, safest border in the world. A long stretch of that border with the United States, 2700 km, is shared with Ontario, making border security a key component of public safety for the RCMP in Ontario. Border security is a shared responsibility and top priority for law enforcement organizations on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.

A secure border helps prevent the smuggling of illicit drugs, firearms, and human trafficking, all of which have direct impacts on both our countries. Strengthening border security reduces organized criminal activity and protects Canadian and American residents from transnational threats.

While the RCMP has substantially increased our border officers on a 24/7 basis at the Canada-U.S. border to address the needs of our international border, for operational reasons we cannot provide the number of regular members deployed between the ports of entry. The RCMP is continually reviewing its operational priorities to ensure areas are appropriately resourced.

The RCMP remains confident in the ability of Canadian and U.S. enforcement agencies to work together to maintain the integrity of the Canada-U.S. border.”

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Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here.

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