These are Canadian and United States intelligence and law enforcement offices who are working in teams and who are using good intelligence and good law enforcement to really stop the criminals and terrorists before they ever get to the border.

In this quote, Paul Cellucci, a former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, highlights the close collaboration between Canadian and United States intelligence and law enforcement agencies in preventing criminals and terrorists from crossing the border. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork between these two countries, which are using intelligence and law enforcement strategies to identify and stop threats before they can reach the border, ensuring both national and cross-border security.

Cellucci's statement speaks to the effectiveness of preemptive action—the idea that by working together, intelligence and law enforcement can stop threats before they escalate. This approach relies heavily on the sharing of information, resources, and cooperation between the two countries to safeguard both. It also points to the importance of intelligence gathering and interagency coordination in the modern fight against global terrorism and organized crime.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Cellucci's tenure as Ambassador to Canada, where he was instrumental in fostering strong U.S.-Canada relations, particularly in matters of security and border protection. His comment reflects the collaborative efforts between the two countries, especially after events like 9/11, when there was a heightened focus on counterterrorism and securing borders.

Ultimately, Cellucci’s quote underscores the significance of cross-border cooperation in maintaining national security. It highlights that effective intelligence sharing and coordinated law enforcement efforts are crucial in stopping criminal and terrorist activities before they can harm citizens or disrupt national security, demonstrating the power of collaboration between neighboring nations.