Increased scrutiny affects immigrants at U.S. airports

A legal permanent resident returning from Europe says he faced torture by customs agents at an airport. He was detained after customs flagged his green card due to past criminal charges, including a DUI and a now-dismissed marijuana charge. His mother claims he was subjected to harsh treatment and pressured to give up his green card. He is now being held at an ICE detention center. Another case involves a doctor with a work visa who was detained for 36 hours after arriving from Lebanon. Despite a court order preventing her deportation, she was put on a flight back to Paris. Customs agents cited photos on her phone as a reason for her denial of entry. These incidents highlight the powers of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to detain travelers, even those with valid documentation. The agency uses extensive databases to check the backgrounds of people entering the country. Critics argue that even minor past offenses can lead to serious consequences like deportation. Both individuals’ experiences reflect a broader trend where noncitizens, including legal immigrants, face increasing scrutiny and potential deportation under enhanced surveillance measures. The Department of Homeland Security has expanded its monitoring capabilities, raising concerns about privacy and the treatment of those traveling to the U.S.