An American citizen says he and his wife were detained for hours by US border agents when they returned to the United States after a short trip to Canada. Bachir Atallah told CNN he and his wife, Jessica, were driving back into the US Sunday evening after visiting family in Canada for the weekend when U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents stopped them for a secondary inspection at the Highgate Springs checkpoint in Vermont. Atallah, who is originally from Lebanon, said he was told to park his Range Rover and hand over his keys. When he asked the officer why, the officer placed his hand on his gun and told him to exit his vehicle, Atallah said. He said he was then handcuffed and led into a cell, where his belongings were confiscated. He said his wife was put into a cell across from his. “Seeing my wife’s mascara running because she was crying, it was heartbreaking,” Atallah said. “It wasn’t humane.” While detained, Atallah said he gave CBP agents the passcode to his phone after they asked for it. Despite his pleadings, agents never told him why he and his wife were being detained, he said. He said he was never read his rights. “The traveler’s accusations are blatantly false and sensationalized,” CBP officials said in a statement to CNN affiliate WMUR. “CBP officers acted in accordance with established protocols. Upon arrival at the port of entry, the traveler was appropriately referred to secondary inspection – a routine, lawful process that occurs daily and can apply for any traveler.” A mass deportation campaign by the White House has sparked fear as it aims to slow arrivals at the border and remove undocumented immigrants. President Donald Trump has also threatened to send certain US citizens to offshore prisons, a notion experts say has no legal basis. “I feared for my life,” Atallah said. Without answers as to what was going on, Atallah said he started to have chest pains and felt dizzy, and told CBP to call an ambulance. A record reviewed by CNN shows Emergency Medical Services evaluated Atallah around 8 p.m. Sunday night. Atallah said he was told by CBP if he went to the emergency room, an officer would accompany him and then return him to the cell to start the entire process from the beginning. He said he chose to stay, to not to leave his wife. Atallah said after he was first handcuffed, he told officers to call his lawyer, his sister Celine Atallah, who works as an immigration attorney. A person identifying himself as an officer at US Customs and Border Patrol left a voicemail message on Celine’s phone close to 9 p.m., informing her Atallah and his wife were at Highgate Springs CBP, they were “safe” and they would “be here for a little while,” the message said. “He wanted my help, not to know that he’s fine,” Celine Atallah said in an interview. Bachir and Jessica left around 11 p.m. Sunday, he said. “Thank God we’re safe,” they said in Arabic once they got into their car to drive home. When reached by phone on Friday, Atallah said he was in Lebanon visiting family. He told CNN after his and wife’s treatment last week, he’s worried about returning to the US. “I hope they don’t retaliate because I’m speaking out,” Atallah said.
US citizen says he and his wife detained without explanation after returning from Canada
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"American couple detained by US border agents upon return from Canada"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
Bachir Atallah, an American citizen, recounted a distressing experience he and his wife, Jessica, faced upon returning to the U.S. from Canada. After visiting family for the weekend, they were stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the Highgate Springs checkpoint in Vermont. Atallah, originally from Lebanon, described how he was instructed to park his vehicle and surrender his keys. When he inquired about the reason for the stop, an officer reacted aggressively, placing a hand on his gun and demanding he exit the vehicle. Subsequently, Atallah was handcuffed and placed in a cell, while his wife was detained in a separate area, causing Atallah emotional distress as he witnessed her crying. The couple remained in detention for hours without being informed of the reasons for their treatment, which Atallah characterized as inhumane. Despite providing the passcode to his phone when asked, he received no explanation from the agents regarding their detention, and he claimed he was not read his rights during this ordeal.
During the detention, Atallah began to experience chest pains and dizziness, prompting him to request medical assistance. However, he was informed that if he sought treatment at the emergency room, he would be accompanied by an officer and returned to the cell, leading him to decline the offer out of concern for his wife. Bachir's sister, Celine, who is an immigration attorney, received a voicemail from a CBP officer indicating that the couple was safe but would be detained for a while longer. After several hours, Atallah and his wife were finally released around 11 p.m. Upon leaving, they expressed their relief in Arabic. Now, following their unsettling experience, Atallah is apprehensive about returning to the U.S. in the future, fearing potential retaliation for speaking out about their treatment by border agents.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent incident involving an American citizen and his wife being detained by U.S. border agents upon their return from Canada raises significant concerns about civil liberties, border security practices, and the treatment of individuals at checkpoints. The details shared by the couple, particularly the emotional distress experienced during the detention, suggest a broader narrative that resonates with ongoing debates about immigration enforcement and government authority.
Emotional Impact and Public Perception
The description of the couple's ordeal, especially the distressing sight of his wife's tears, paints a vivid picture of the emotional toll such detentions can take. This aspect of the story is likely intended to evoke sympathy from readers, highlighting the perceived inhumanity of the border enforcement process. The narrative of fear and confusion is central to fostering a public perception that questions the practices of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Official Response and Credibility
The CBP's statement that the traveler’s accusations are "blatantly false and sensationalized" raises questions about the credibility of both parties involved. This response implies a defensive stance from the agency, suggesting they are aware of the potential for negative public perception regarding their procedures. The mention of established protocols may aim to reassure the public about the legality of their actions, yet it also serves to highlight the tension between enforcement and individual rights.
Broader Context of Immigration Policy
The backdrop of a mass deportation campaign and the rhetoric surrounding immigration under the previous administration adds another layer to this story. It evokes a climate of fear and uncertainty, particularly among immigrant communities and U.S. citizens of diverse backgrounds. This narrative could be intended to galvanize opposition against aggressive immigration policies and remind the public of the potential overreach of government authority.
Potential Manipulation and Media Framing
While the article reports a distressing personal story, it also reflects broader societal issues. The framing of the incident may be seen as a manipulation to draw attention to the implications of current immigration policies. By focusing on the emotional experience of the detained couple, the article may aim to shift public opinion against the CBP and its practices.
Conclusion on Reliability
The reliability of the information presented hinges on the perspectives of both the couple and the CBP. While the couple's account is personal and emotional, the official response aims to provide a counter-narrative. The lack of clarity around the reasons for their detention and the absence of a detailed explanation from CBP raises concerns about transparency and accountability in border enforcement practices. Given these factors, the story is likely to resonate with those who are critical of immigration enforcement, while also prompting discussions about civil liberties and government authority.