While national attention remains focused on the U.S. Mexico border, security experts are sounding alarms about a growing threat along the often overlooked northern frontier with Canada. Jon Brewton, CEO of Data2 and a U.S. Air Force veteran, describes a “quiet crisis” unfolding across the 5,525-mile border, marked by rising illegal crossings, drug trafficking, and encounters with individuals on terrorist watchlists.
The northern border presents unique challenges it’s more than twice as long as the southern boundary yet receives far fewer resources. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports a steady increase in illicit activity, including a 240% jump in illegal crossings since 2020 and record seizures of drugs like fentanyl.
Brewton proposes an unconventional solution: deploying advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, ground sensors, and predictive analytics to compensate for limited personnel. “We can’t possibly station agents every mile,” he explains. “But smart surveillance systems could detect suspicious movement patterns and alert border teams in real time.” of hard-to-patrol zones
Critics argue technology alone can’t solve systemic border issues, noting that Canadian border crossings still represent just 2% of total U.S. immigration enforcement actions. However, with the northern border’s vulnerabilities becoming increasingly apparent, pressure is mounting for innovative solutions before the “quiet crisis” grows louder.
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