Originally Posted by jphripjah

For what it's worth, they can absolutely identify the officer in question. Every time you are referred to secondary inspection, an electronic report is created identifying the agent who referred you, the reason he typed in for the referral, (so that the secondary officer can read it and know why you were referred) and the results of the inspection.

You can make an easy online FOIA request for all of your entry/exit and primary/secondary inspection records, they will black out a lot of the info, including the officers' names, but it might say "Passenger corporate666 was referred to secondary inspection by Officer (redacted) due to evasive answers to primary inspection questions" or something like that.

http://www.cbp.gov/site-policy-notices/foia

I once sent a letter complaining about CBP officers wrongfully seizing my anti-American propaganda from North Korea. I just sent it right to the airport's Port Director rather than following the procedure of making a request to Washington DC. It must have worked, they Fedexed me back my books and newspapers and postcards about three days later.

Originally Posted by saizai

Not quite true. You are probably a federal felon. It's just a question of finding something to charge you with.

However, after (if) you win the criminal case, you could sue them back for malicious prosecution, though that's very hard to win � and (roughly speaking) prosecutors have absolute immunity for what they personally do as part of their job.

Originally Posted by corporate666

I arrived at BOS last night - upon getting to the baggage claim I turned on my phone as I was waiting a call from my ride. My phone rang as I was walking to the desk where you show your Global Entry receipt. I answered - it was my ride home - and they told me where they would be waiting and right as I was ending the call I heard the CBP agent at the desk say something, the following conversation ensued (as literally recounted as I can remember)

Me: Excuse me? I didn't hear you
CBP: I SAID SHUT OFF THE PHONE!!!
Me: Sorry, I didn't realize they weren't allowed here
CBP: WHEN I TELL YOU TO SHUT IT OFF, SHUT IT OFF!
Me: Uhh, sorry, I didn't hear you at first, I was waiting for a call about my ride
CBP: I don't care
Me: Excuse me?
CBP: I DON'T CARE!
Me: Well, I do care
CBP: I DON'T!!!
Me: I do
CBP: You like global entry?
Me: Yes
CBP: You keep up the wiseass bull**** and I will drop you from GE
Me: I was trying to be polite but it takes two to be polite
CBP: Go stand over at the yellow line for secondary inspection
Me: <lifts my bag off the floor to put it on the cart>
CBP: GO STAND OVER AT THE YELLOW LINE!!!
Me: I'm going, and I am taking my bags with me


After a couple of minutes, another officer came over and asked for my documents - I handed him my PP and GE receipt. He said "Oh, you're GE?" I said yes. He looks at the receipt and says "Did you forget to declare food items or something?". I replied that I had not, but the guy at the desk had become enraged when my phone rang as I was approaching the desk. This CBP agent sort of rolled his eyes and said "sorry, long day I guess... you're all set". I thanked him for his time, we made some small talk, we shook hands and he welcomed me home and I wished him a good night.

I have a few problems with the first CBP guy

1) He was rude and aggressive from the start, becoming more so when I didn't grovel before him

2) He threatened me (to remove my GE status).

3) He initiated a retaliatory secondary inspection for no reason other than he wanted to inconvenience me to the maximum possible.


I did not get the first guy's name or badge number, but I would recognize him in an instant and I could easily identify him in person.

My questions for anyone who read this far are

1) Is filing a complaint worthwhile? Or do they go nowhere and achieve nothing?

2) Have other pax filed complaints over rude/aggressive treatment by CBP personnel? Were they treated seriously or brushed aside?

3) Does a singular CBP officer have the authority to remove someone from GE? I believe all they could do would be initiate a strike against my membership, but I am sure there are circumstances whereby someone will be kicked out of GE. I am sure "the pax talked back to me" isn't grounds for GE dismissal, so presumably his thread to eliminate me was both a hollow one and/or signaled his intent to make something up which would be grounds to remove me.

4) In such cases, is it best to ask for a supervisor? When I looked at the CBP site, they have a complaint form where they ask for the name and badge number of the agent in question. So presumably CBP officers are obligated to give a name and/or badge number upon request? Is that the best option or is it better to escalate to a supervisor during the incident? If you ask for a supervisor do they have to comply or are they free to refuse?


Any other advice on handling such situations is appreciated. I realize stories like these are always told in the light that is most beneficial to the aggrieved party telling the story, but I have listed the exact language as carefully as possible.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog

No one is a felon until convicted.

Originally Posted by saizai

Yes, but read the linked article, coauthored by Judge Kozinski (9th Circuit).

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog

I haven't read the complete article but the gist of it is that many people could be prosecuted for some violation of the law.

Originally Posted by FlyerTalkUser2014

I've begun writing letters, like actual paper letters to 3 people whenever I run into an unprofessional CBP officer. I use CBP.gov to get the Port Director & the Professionalism Services Manager name, and send it to the PD c/o the PSM. Then I CC: Assistant Commissioner for Field Operations (which all airports fall under). It's short, one paragraph and I state usually something to the effect of "the total interaction was under 30 seconds, but I found him hostile, unprofessional and _______". I then go on to state I sign the letter anonymously, for fear of retaliation. I don't know about you, but if somebody sent a letter about me to the VP of my division as well as my director and the HR person - I'd certainly take it seriously.

Originally Posted by G702TT

Cell phone use in the immigration and customs hall is absolutely prohibited.

Originally Posted by saizai

Under what statute or regulation? A sign is not a law.

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog

If a person believes they have been mistreated by CBP they should contact CBP.

[email protected]

or

1 877-246-8253

Originally Posted by Blueskyheaven

Can you tell me bit more about the email? who it goes to ?

Originally Posted by saizai

under what statute or regulation? A sign is not a law.