This Is Why Black Hawk Helicopters Now Patrol Minnesota Border

When President Donald Trump returned to office last week, there was a lot of buzz around the series of Executive Orders he signed, especially those that focused on securing the United States border.

When most people think about securing the U.S. border, they immediately think about the southern border that separates the U.S. from Mexico as issues there make the most headlines due to a higher number of illegal immigration concerns amongst other things.

However, the northern border that separates the U.S. from Canada is also important. While the number of drugs seized and people apprehended at the Canadian border pales by comparison to the Mexican border, Manitoba, Canada is making a concentrated effort to better secure it.

This comes after President Trump demanded a better border effort, while also threatening to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico if efforts aren't made to stop unauthorized migration and the flow of any illicit drugs through America's borders.

Canadian Black Hawk Helicopters & Conservation Officers Patrolling Boarder

According to KSTP-TV, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have recently launched new Black Hawk helicopters to work together with Manitoba Conservation Officers to patrol the border. This includes patrols in northern Minnesota.

Manitoba officials had announced that its conservation officers will now be used to look for drug and human trafficking. “Our conservation officers stand ready to apply our enforcement skills, deploy our patrol equipment, and use our knowledge of the land to assist the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada Border Services Agency, and other enforcement agencies to take immediate action to stop the proliferation of smuggling in firearms, drugs and people across our shared border with the U.S.,” said Corey Meadows, chief conservation officer.

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Reports indicate that U.S. Customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with more than 21,000 pounds (21,100) at the Mexico border.

U.S. Border Patrol FY2024 data shows more than 1.5 million people encountered or apprehended on the southern border with Mexico, compared to more than 23,000 people apprehended on the Canadian border.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says having increased efforts along the border is extremely important to stop illegal activities, but it also serves another purpose.

“This is a humanitarian effort as well as an important step to keep people safe,” said Kinew. “If there’s a child or a family in danger near the border, we’re going to make sure there’s help there. But if someone is smuggling drugs or guns, we’re going to stop them.”

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So, if you're in northern Minnesota, near the border with Manitoba, don't be surprised if you hear a Canadian Black Hawk helicopter, or catch a glimpse of it flying on the Canadian side.