Originally Posted by
smartytravel
The US authorities (CBP) also detain regular travelers at border crossings, perform illegal seizures, inspect telephones without warrants, etc. Not to mention illegal roadblocks where they check people's immigration status.
Sure, maybe it's not to the same extent as elsewhere, but they aren't angels either.
For US Citizens there is a huge difference between re-entering the USA and entering China/Russia. The US is a country with the rule of law and procedural protections. In general you must be arraigned within 48 hours and provided with defense counsel. Non-violent criminals are generally bailed out and trials are open to the public. The CBP cannot detain US citizens indefinitely without charge.
But of course the topic at hand is not about CBP. It is about the risks for US citizens being unlawfully detained in Russia and China on a flight diversion. Ask Brittny and Evan about procedural safeguards in Russia. Or Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig (Canadians!) about China.
If you are a non-US citizen and are scared to enter the USA by all means stay away and take your changes elsewhere.