“Contraband.” That’s the word that echoes in the halls of the Non-intrusive Inspection Building in Detroit. This isn’t just another government building. The Non-intrusive Inspection Building plays a crucial role in protecting the United States.
The Detroit Border Patrol Station moved to this location in February 2015. The address is 11700 E. Jefferson Avenue. Before that, the station was located at Atwater Street on the Detroit River waterfront since 1996.
But even before that, until 1964, the Detroit Border Patrol Station was located on the first floor of a two-story building at the corner of Mt. Elliott and East Jefferson Avenue in downtown Detroit. The century-old building had once been the nurses’ quarters for the United States Public Health Service Hospital.
In June 1924, the first Border Patrol Sector Headquarters was activated in Detroit. The sector extended from Port Sanilac, Michigan, to Port Clinton, Ohio. Detroit was the sole station at Sector Headquarters. It had an initial complement of 18 officers.
The need for a Border Patrol station in Detroit became apparent after the Volstead Act. This act inaugurated the Prohibition era. Liquor smuggling across the Detroit River was expanding. It was closely associated with alien smuggling.
Rum runners crossed the border with contraband liquor. They also brought crews of illegal entrants. The Commissioner of Immigration testified that at least a hundred aliens a day were smuggled into the United States across the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers.
Today, the Non-intrusive Inspection Building houses advanced technology. These technologies are used to inspect cargo and vehicles. The goal is to detect weapons, narcotics, and other threats. Large-scale X-ray and Gamma-ray systems are used. Handheld scanners are also employed.
Customs and Border Protection uses Non-Intrusive Inspection technologies to detect and prevent contraband. This includes drugs, unreported currency, guns, and ammunition. They also look for other illegal merchandise and inadmissible persons.
The Detroit Station is responsible for 70 miles of international border. This includes the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. The Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel are in the station’s area. So is a freight train tunnel under the Detroit River.
The Detroit River’s channels are narrow and congested. This makes it easier to attempt illegal entry. The area is a densely populated urban location. It contains one of the highest percentages of registered boat users in the country.
Agents at the Detroit Station conduct marine operations during the boating season. They also check freight trains and conduct anti-smuggling activities. During the non-boating season, agents patrol the shorelines.
The Non-intrusive Inspection Building ensures the safety and security of our nation. It stands as a silent guardian on the Detroit River. It uses technology to combat the flow of illegal goods and people. It protects our borders and preserves the integrity of our nation.