Duty Is Not Always Grimly Serious for CBP — There's That Ice Bridge

By David North on March 3, 2016

The routine of our border guards is broken every year about this time when they open up a border crossing point that is at the end of a frozen highway.

If the highway is not well frozen, those entering from Canada are going to take a very cold bath.

This is the annual crossing of a small arm of Lake Huron from Canada to a lightly populated part of Michigan, Drummond Island. The island is 50 miles east of the smaller and better-known Mackinac Island and has a population of a little over 1,000.

According to a CBP press release, "The opening and closure of this reporting station is subject to change contingent on weather and ice conditions. Staffing of the reporting station is not an endorsement that the ice bridge is safe to cross."

Some of those driving to Drummond may be doing so because it's fun (if scary) and an unusual way to cross a border; furthermore, there is an opportunity when no one else is in sight to brake and skid, and perhaps do a complete 360 with your car. The press release shows a picture of the annual dog sled race on the island, another attraction.

The border guards do their work at the Drummond Island Yacht Haven and do so on between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

It's a lot better than standing at one of the many lanes at San Ysidro, Calif., dealing with both a backlog of cars and the omnipresent carbon monoxide.