American couple allegedly held in custody without explanation upon returning from Canada
A Citizen's Troubling Encounter at the US Border
John Doe, an American, shares a chilling tale of his recent encounter with US border agents after returning from a trip to Canada.
During a Sunday evening drive back to the States, Doe and his wife were halted for a secondary inspection at the Highgate Springs checkpoint in Vermont. Doe, who hails from Lebanon, claims he was made to park his Range Rover, hand over his keys, and exit the vehicle after being told to do so. He alleges the officer accompanying him placed a hand on his gun, a move that left him unsettled.
Handcuffed and led into a cell, Doe says his belongings were confiscated, and his wife was put into a cell across from him. "Seeing my wife's mascara running because she was crying, it was heartbreaking," Doe said, adding that the treatment felt inhumane.
While detained, Doe claims he disclosed his phone's passcode when asked, but Agents never explained the reason for his and his wife's detention. He maintains he was never read his rights.
Officials from US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) have responded to the accusations, stating their officers acted according to established protocols. Yet, they have not provided further clarity regarding the specific circumstances surrounding Doe's case.
Recent mass deportation campaigns and threats from the White House to remove undocumented immigrants and potentially send certain US citizens to offshore prisons have sparked widespread fear[4][5]. Legal experts contest the validity of such notions[5].
Doe confesses he feared for his life and experienced chest pains and dizziness during his detention. Despite this, he refused to leave his wife's side.
When asked to undergo a medical evaluation, Doe alleges an officer threatened to start the entire process over once he returned from the emergency room. He opted to remain at the facility instead.
Doe also claims he requested his lawyer, Celine Doe, an immigration attorney, to be informed of the situation. A voice message left on her phone, allegedly from a CBP officer, informed her of his and his wife's location and safety[6].
"He wanted my help, not to know that he's fine," Celine Doe said in an interview.
Doe and his wife finally left the facility around 11 p.m. on Sunday. Upon reaching home, they expressed their relief in Arabic[6].
At the time of publishing, Doe stated he was in Lebanon visiting family. He confesses he is now apprehensive about returning to the U.S. after the distressing incident[6].
Understanding US Border Policies
While there is a strict adherence to entry requirements at US ports of entry, including scrutiny of electronic devices[1][2], it is important to note thatlying to customs officials could result in severe penalties, such as expedited removal proceedings. Dual nationals holding both U.S. and Canadian citizenship are not required to carry both passports when entering the U.S., but it may serve as proof of citizenship[1].
Non-citizens may be barred from the U.S. for five years if they misrepresent themselves or present false documentation[1]. There is no formal appeal process; however, a supervisory review can be requested. Make sure to review any updates or advisories for travelers regarding staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days, as well as the need to register with the U.S. government to avoid potential penalties[3].
For a more thorough understanding of how these policies might impact specific cases like Bachir Atallah's, additional information or context would be necessary.
- John Doe, detained at the US border, shared that his encounter was heartbreaking as he saw his wife weeping in a cell across from him.
- During his detention, Doe complied with the border agents' request for his phone's passcode, but the reason for his and his wife's detention remains unclear.
- The events at the US border have led to concern and fear among citizens and legal experts, particularly in light of recent political discussions regarding immigration and detention.
- As a dual national holding both US and Canadian citizenship, John Doe was not necessarily required to carry both passports when entering the US, but doing so could potentially serve as proof of citizenship.
