Edmonton man detained at Soo border

NEWS RELEASES

U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION

************************** Removed alien caught attempting to re-enter the United States at the International Bridge

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - (December 23) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the International Bridge caught a Canadian citizen, who had been previously removed from the U.S., as he attempted to re-enter the country on Thursday, December 18, 2008.

On Thursday, December 18, 2008, at approximately 5:45 p.m., a white Ford entered the Sault Ste. Marie Port of Entry by way of the International Bridge.

The driver, a 29-year-old male Canadian citizen from Edmonton, Alberta, was identified as a possible match for a person who had been removed from the U.S. in January 2006.

The subject was referred to the CBP secondary area for further review to determine his status.

Officers in the secondary inspection area confirmed that the individual was indeed the subject of a previous removal action at the Port of Calais, Maine.

As the inspection continued, the man admitted that he had been removed from the country in January of 2006.

He did not give a reason for his attempt to return to the U.S. at this time.

Individuals who are removed from the U.S. can be restricted, as in this instance, from making re-entry into the U.S.

Individuals who attempt re-entry are subject to arrest, jail, and/or extension of the restriction on re-entry.

The driver was lodged in the Chippewa County jail pending a hearing on the immigration violation.

About U.S. Customs and Border Protections

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry.

CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

************************** CBP issues holiday travel advisory

DETROIT – (December 23) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reminds travelers planning trips across the border to Canada to make sure they have proper documents for their return trip and to anticipate possible heavy traffic during the observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Travelers can take a few simple steps to help keep traffic moving across the border:

- Plan your trip and allow extra time for crossing the border. Check the CBP website to monitor border wait times and review the 'Know Before You Go' tip sheet.

- Avoid peak travel times when at all possible.

- Be prepared to show proof of citizenship and identity to enter the United States. This can include a passport, trusted traveler program card, an enhanced driver’s license or a birth certificate with a conventional driver’s license. Travelers 18 and under can present just a birth certificate.

- Be advised that if you are crossing at a port of entry that has a NEXUS lane, everyone in the vehicle must have their NEXUS card in their possession, in order to use the lane.

- Be sure to declare all agriculture products, including firewood and kindling, which are subject to additional inspection by CBP agriculture specialists.

Failure to declare agriculture products, including firewood and kindling, may result in delays and civil penalties.

“CBP will staff all available booths in accordance with the traffic flow,” stated Sidney Aki, assistant director for border security. “Travelers who are prepared for their border crossing help us keep the traffic moving.”

Travelers can obtain local border traffic conditions by visiting the CBP travel page (click here) or the Canada Border Services Agency website (click here).

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