Runaway girl from Oshkosh found at International Bridge

NEWS RELEASES

U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTIN

************************* Juvenile runaway found at Sault Ste. Marie bridge DETROIT – A 14-year-old girl from Oshkosh, Wisconsin was found hiding in the back of a vehicle as it entered the United States from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

The girl was the subject of a missing juvenile runaway advisement from Wisconsin authorities.

On January 21, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, field operations officers at the International Bridge, Sault Ste. Marie port of entry, encountered a Wisconsin-plated vehicle as it was arriving in the United States.

The driver and apparently the lone occupant of the vehicle was a 17-year-old man from Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

When officers verified his citizenship and identity they found that he was the subject of an advisory from Oshkosh, Wisconsin authorities looking for a 14-year-old female runaway.

When asked by officers if he had anything to declare he simply stated “no.”

He was referred to CBP secondary for a more thorough inspection of his vehicle.

As officers conducted the physical inspection of his vehicle they discovered female clothing and asked him why he had it in the car.

At that time the man told officers that his girl friend was hiding in the back of the car.

After the girl was removed from the car, she became evasive about her identity and why she was hiding.

Verification of both individuals’ identity and confirmation of their missing-persons status was received from Wisconsin authorities.

The girl was turned over to officers from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department pending the arrival of her parents to pick her up.

The man was released to continue his trip back to Wisconsin where he may face state charges relating to his involvement with the young runaway.

"Our main mission is to protect the country from terrorist and their weapons as they attempt to enter the country,” stated Port Director Devin Chamberlain. "At the same time we also assist local and state authorities in finding people, like this young girl, who are missing and who may be in more danger than they realize."

************************* Notice for travelers entering the U.S. from Canada via the “Ice Bridge” SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - Winter season 2009 is here and U.S. Customs and Border Protection is providing travellers arriving on Drummond Island, Michigan via the “ice bridge” from Canada with information about reporting procedures. The following procedures for travelers arriving on Drummond Island, Michigan via the “ice bridge” from Canada are in place.

These procedures are part of CBP’s comprehensive efforts to improve security at our nation’s borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

General reporting instructions

- All travelers arriving at Drummond Island from Canada, via the “ice bridge," are required to immediately report their arrival to the CBP office.

- For general information regarding reporting procedures please call CBP @ 906-632-2631.

Designated reporting station and regular hours of service

- The designated reporting station is the Drummond Island Yacht Haven Dock, Drummond Island, Michigan.

- Regular service hours are 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday thru Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Requests for service outside of the established regular hours for special events

- Must be made, and approved, in advance by contacting Port Director Devin Chamberlain, Assistant Port Director Leroy Frazier or Assistant Port Director Patrick Wilson at 906-632-7221.

Information required for entry into the United States via the "ice bridge."

- Proof of citizenship and photo identification. - Vehicle registration (snowmobile/ air sled/ ATV/ hovercraft).

- Value of any merchandise to be declared.

Failure to report arrival

- Failure to report your arrival can result in civil penalties of up to $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation with the conveyance subject to seizure and forfeiture.

- Any alien who enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated is in violation of Sec. 275 (a) (1) (8 U.S.C.1325). Any alien present in the United States without being admitted or paroled or who arrives in the United States at any time or place other than as designated is inadmissible under Sec. 212 (a)(6)(A)(i). Any alien who enters without inspection at any time or place not designated is in violation of 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1325 (a)(1) and upon conviction liable for a fine of $5,000 for first offense or imprisonment for up to 6 months. Second or subsequent offenses are Class E Felonies subject to a fine of up to$250,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.

Reporting suspicious activities

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency is asking the community to report any suspicious activity and/or non-complaint travelers by calling 1-800-537-3220 or 1-800-BE-ALERT (1-800-232-5378).

“The ice bridge from Canada is unique to our area and a part of the history of Sault Ste. Marie,” said Port Director Devin Chamberlain. “CBP wants to work with travelers utilizing this unique crossing to make it a secure crossing for everyone.”

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