Originally Posted by Boggie Dog (Post 24934907)

I found that contact plus others on a CBP FAQ document. The link was in one of the current threads, perhaps on Omni.

Originally Posted by Blueskyheaven (Post 24935195)

OK thank you!

Originally Posted by sfosuw (Post 24934942)

41 c.f.r. § 102-74.385

Originally Posted by saizai (Post 24935987)

Nice. (https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/41/102-74.385 fwiw)

However, it seems to me that this is necessarily limited to what they can lawfully require in the first place. Feds can't make up laws / regs by just putting up a sign (e.g. a sign saying "Black people must use customs lane #1" would be obviously illegal). So again, what reg / statute says CBP can regulate cellphone use (esp. if it's to call a lawyer)?

ETA: Also, https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/41/102-74.365 - it only applies to "property under the authority of GSA". AFAIK airports are not.

Originally Posted by sfosuw (Post 24939764)

The regulation also does not specifically prohibit one from urinating or defecating in the FIS area, do you think it's ok to do so just because they didn't specify that specific action on the CFR?

Originally Posted by corporate666 (Post 24901147)

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 danielonn (Post 24952216)

I would not complain. You fully knew that cellphones are not allowed at any security or customs checkpoint worldwide.

Originally Posted by danielonn (Post 24952216)

I am sorry for your experience however while taxiing to the Gate as part of the Welcome to SFO message the Flight attendant says" All passengers will be required to clear customs and immigration irrespective of destination and claim luggage. The use of Cellphones are prohibited while inside the Customs Area.

There are signs that say that Cellphones are prohibited once you enter the line to speak to an agent. The agent is right. What if you were a drug dealer or planning to work illegally and were speaking to your boss to get prepped on what to say? When I arrive at SFO I call the driver in the hallway before entering the Immigration Line.

I would not complain. You fully knew that cellphones are not allowed at any security or customs checkpoint worldwide.