Beware. Border Patrol Searching Phones.

[EZEtoGRU]

I told a story years ago before anyone started talking about it, how Canadian immigration just ransacked all of my personal Information. Laptop, phones, held me up for 3 hours. In the end, they said, “we have to deny your entry, we believe you’re coming to commit criminal activity”. And at that time...escorting was considered legal in the province.

 

They made a big scary deal about it, and definitely had me paranoid for a few months. But in the end, they had nothing to charge me with, and there really wasn’t anything “criminal” going on. They just want to pick and choose who they want to let it.

 

LOL. Funny how your story takes on a whole different meaning when you leave out the key fact of what actually happened. Thankfully, I have a very good memory so I remember your original story from years ago when you drove to Canada. The key part of the story that you left out was that you announced to the immigration official that you were entering Canada to engage in sex work. A non-Canadian cannot work in Canada without a valid work visa. It doesn't matter if you were going to work as an engineer, a software developer, or a sex-worker. You did not have a valid work visa for Canada. Essentially, you announced to the immigration official that you were going to engage in illegal work practices within Canada by working there without an approved work visa. Of course they wouldn't let you in. They wouldn't have been doing their job if they had let you in. The responsibility for your failure to gain entrance into Canada on that visit sits entirely with you.

 

I so remember that thread from years ago as it was one of the most insane/crazy/whacked-out threads I had ever followed on this forum ever. It brought lots of entertainment to many of us at the time. For that, I truly thank you.

[+ Keith30309]

What’s the reason for the border scrutiny ?

 

I understand non-Canadian citizens taking jobs that displaces Canadians and I understand a reasonable level of interest in deterring criminals but all of the above really seems over the top.

 

Presumably Canada directly and indirectly derives tax revenue from tourism and this seems counterproductive.

 

Why is this systematically done ?

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

What’s the reason for the border scrutiny ?

 

I understand non-Canadian citizens taking jobs that displaces Canadians and I understand a reasonable level of interest in deterring criminals but all of the above really seems over the top.

 

Presumably Canada directly and indirectly derives tax revenue from tourism and this seems counterproductive.

 

Why is this systematically done ?

 

 

I've always felt like it was a proverbial dick measuring contest.

 

When the US ramps up their end, Canada matches it and tries to go one notch higher.

 

It's quite like the US charging foreigners for tourist visas. Now other countries realize they're leaving cash on the table and are doing the exact same thing to visiting Americans. Tit-for-tat.

Edited August 30, 2019 by Benjamin_Nicholas

[adventurous old guy]

What’s the reason for the border scrutiny ?

 

I understand non-Canadian citizens taking jobs that displaces Canadians and I understand a reasonable level of interest in deterring criminals but all of the above really seems over the top.

 

Presumably Canada directly and indirectly derives tax revenue from tourism and this seems counterproductive.

 

Why is this systematically done ?

I think another reason is that Canada has never had a serious mass killing event and is on high alert to prevent. That's what I've been told by several Canadians.

 

Alternatively, maybe they're treating the Handmaid's Tale as more than a cautionary tale given the rise in support for theocracy in their neighbor to the South.

Edited August 30, 2019 by adventurous old guy

[+ Keith30309]

Why not to visit the USA

 

"I just got back to Canada after being detained by the Dep. of HS upon arrival in Las Vegas.

 

"I was interrogated and held for nearly 12 hours.

I will not be permitted re-entry for 5 years and will require a waiver to do so."

 

[MEDIA=twitter]1220678494239318017[/MEDIA]

 

The whole thread and replies are worth reading.

[+ Keith30309]

Damn...

 

In several states, including Texas, Florida, and Illinois, the FBI is allowed to use facial recognition technology to scan through DMV databases of drivers’ license photos. In many US airports, Customs and Border Protection now uses facial recognition to screen passengers on international flights. And in cities such as Baltimore, police have used facial recognition software to identify and arrest individuals at protests.

 

 

https://www.vox.com/recode/2019/7/18/20698307/facial-recognition-technology-us-government-fight-for-the-future

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Why not to visit the USA

 

"I just got back to Canada after being detained by the Dep. of HS upon arrival in Las Vegas.

 

"I was interrogated and held for nearly 12 hours.

I will not be permitted re-entry for 5 years and will require a waiver to do so."

 

[MEDIA=twitter]1220678494239318017[/MEDIA]

 

The whole thread and replies are worth reading.

 

It's equally as bad for Americans who visit Canada.

 

It feels a bit like a competition between two immigration agencies to see who can be the bigger asshole.

 

This is a great reminder to always be cognisant of your digital footprint and how much of it you're carrying with you.

[+ Gar1eth]

About 10 years ago, I was taking the excursion ship from Seattle to Victoria, BC for either a one night or two night stay. I was traveling with an escort from SF. Canadian Customs 'interrogated' both of us separately when we arrived on Vancouver Island. . They asked me why I was coming to Victoria along with other questions that felt routine. But I could never figure out if they were questioning everyone on the excursion or if they picked the two of us out specifically.

 

Then the last time I went to Canada was probably 6 or 7 years ago. I was going to Toronto from New York to take the Via Rail Canadian Train to Vancouver, BC. I was again traveling with an escort (Bryan Sobe from NYC and Miami in case anyone remembers him) on the plane from NYC. I don't know if they were screening a lot back 7 or 10 years ago because I surely had evidence that I had hired and had numbers for escorts in my iPhone both times. And obviously the escort did too. But on both trips no one asked to look at my phone.

 

I doubt I'll ever get back to Canada considering my financial situation. But if I, or anyone else does, what would be the way for all of us to protect ourselves? Should we leave our regular phones at home, and take a cheap burner phone that has no info on it. Maybe take info we need in case we want to hire in a notebook or something else paper-based?

 

Gman

[rvwnsd]

Damn...

 

In several states, including Texas, Florida, and Illinois, the FBI is allowed to use facial recognition technology to scan through DMV databases of drivers’ license photos. In many US airports, Customs and Border Protection now uses facial recognition to screen passengers on international flights. And in cities such as Baltimore, police have used facial recognition software to identify and arrest individuals at protests.

 

 

https://www.vox.com/recode/2019/7/18/20698307/facial-recognition-technology-us-government-fight-for-the-future

Looks like France is looking to implement a national facial recognition program.

[+ bashful]

Haven't traveled internationally in 5 years since I attended a "destination" wedding in Jamaica. The flight to Jamaica seemed to take less time than it did from the time we deplaned and got through customs and immigration (probably not true, but seemed that way). I have to say, once it was my turn to face the immigration rep, no problems.

 

In my younger days, living in Detroit, and as late as the later 2000's, when I would take my father to the casino in Windsor, crossing over the border to/from Canada via the tunnel was easy peasy. A few pleasantries, no docs, a few questions, and on our way.

Edited January 25, 2020 by bashful

[+ nycman]

Border security is indeed frightening in this day and age.

 

I recently was greeted by my first name as I approached a immigration

computer terminal at JFK. You could hear the camera scanning my face

as I was walking towards the machine. I hadn’t even touched the machine.

 

It was horrifying.

 

I also have a long and boring story about having all my clothes detained

at a Canadian Airport for 3 days. The crime? I had an unopened package

of designer underwear in my bags. They determined I was obviously

importing illegal goods for sale. Mind you they didn’t come out and tell

me their concerns. Instead we went through my clothes item by item,

over and over again, detailing when I bought it, where I bought it, how

much paid for it, and when was the last time I wore it. We went through

every item at least 5 times, with the exact same agent. Over and over.

 

I only found out the cause on day three when one of the supervisors

became curious about what was holding me up for so long. He came

over and quickly discovered that his side job and my career are very

similar. We became instant friends, the interrogations stopped, he

helped me repack, explained the details of my prolonged detention,

and sheepishly apologized.

Edited January 27, 2020 by nycman

[+ bashful]

It was a few years ago, but I had forgotten my passport when going on a cruise from LA to Vancouver. Surprisingly, the cruise line, let me board with all the other picture ID's I had. Coming off the ship, the Canadian guy only asked my citizenship. I said US, he said go ahead.

 

But, since you pre-clear US customs/immigration in Vancouver, that's where I had the problem, with US authorities. I explained I forgot my passport, and didn't realize it. They separated me from my traveling companions, and told me to wait in another room. It was large, but I was the only one in there. I began to imagine, because it seemed like a slow day for them, I was going to be given a strip search, or cavity search. After a while, a guy came up to me, and asked to see my form and passport, but just had the form. I asked if that was all, and sternly, he said No. Wait here.

 

After what seemed like a longer while, I as told to go through the double doors and see the person at the counter. I again explained, and of course apologized, I had forgot my passport. She was nice, and commented that my hands looked puffy. I said I had a lot to drink on that cruise. She then began to fire questions at me. Where was I born, where do I live, who are your senators (I could only remember the name of one), who was the 16th President (I remember responding as a question "Lincoln?". She smiled, stamped my form, and said NEVER FORGET YOUR PASSPORT.

 

I was able to rejoin my friends, and make my flight, but had my doubts.

[+ bashful]

It was a few years ago, but I had forgotten my passport when going on a cruise from LA to Vancouver. Surprisingly, the cruise line, let me board with all the other picture ID's I had. Coming off the ship, the Canadian guy only asked my citizenship. I said US, he said go ahead.

 

But, since you pre-clear US customs/immigration in Vancouver, that's where I had the problem, with US authorities. I explained I forgot my passport, and didn't realize it. They separated me from my traveling companions, and told me to wait in another room. It was large, but I was the only one in there. I began to imagine, because it seemed like a slow day for them, I was going to be given a strip search, or cavity search. After a while, a guy came up to me, and asked to see my form and passport, but just had the form. I asked if that was all, and sternly, he said No. Wait here.

 

After what seemed like a longer while, I as told to go through the double doors and see the person at the counter. I again explained, and of course apologized, I had forgot my passport. She was nice, and commented that my hands looked puffy. I said I had a lot to drink on that cruise. She then began to fire questions at me. Where was I born, where do I live, who are your senators (I could only remember the name of one), who was the 16th President (I remember responding as a question "Lincoln?". She smiled, stamped my form, and said NEVER FORGET YOUR PASSPORT.

 

I was able to rejoin my friends, and make my flight, but had my doubts.

[+ Reisr30]

Does participation in Nexus help? I thought about applying after I got my global entry approved but i felt I didn’t travel to Canada often enough.

[Islesguy]

I have traveled to Canada via car, bus, plane and boat twice arriving between midnight and 1am and never had an issue or been at customs for more than a few minutes. Returning to the US is more of a nightmare especially when I drive over the boarder.

 

The one time I thought I would have a problem getting into Canada was when I flew into Saskatoon during hunting season. We were the only people arriving without camo or a hunting rifle. I was sure we were going to be denied entry.

[EZEtoGRU]

Does participation in Nexus help? I thought about applying after I got my global entry approved but i felt I didn’t travel to Canada often enough.

I assume Nexus does help. Both at vehicle entry points as well as Canadian airport gateways, there are separate Nexus lanes. Having said that, I’ve never had a problem going into Canada and I go there at least every other month.

[Guest davebk]

I was turned away at the Canadian border for having a 3" pocket knife in my console. No chance to surrender it (I wouldn't have, it was a pricey Benchmade with sentimental value), or mail it to myself, and re-entry denied for 24 hours. They definitely don't mess around in Canada.

 

The denial was because they asked if I had any weapons and I said "no", not even thinking about the pocket knife.

[+ poolboy48220]

You don't mess with them. I have a small Swiss Army knife (2 1/4" total, 1" blade) on my keychain and I've lost many of them when I forgot to take it off my keychain going through airport security. I had a toy Star Trek phaser (homemade from wood) in the car going across the US/Canada border, I joked about it and they pulled us over & searched the car.

 

One guy gave me grief because my tire iron was under the front seat rather than stowed with the spare.

[Walker1]

I have driven to Canada twice -both times quite rude on the Canada side, but let me through. The US side both times they asked me to pop my trunk and once asked me to open my luggage and checked .

 

I didn't tell the Canadians the "truth" -that I was going to Montreal to hire some escorts and visit the strip joints-I just said I was going to enjoy the scenery and take a long drive !

 

The US agent tried to trip me up by purposely wrongly repeating my city and had me correct him. maybe genuine mistake, but looked like he was trying to see if I was saying the truth or just a cover story. Didn't help he was a hot blonde muscle guy.

 

 

I was reading in some forum that sometimes CBP looks at phones of single older men coming from Thailand etc . I have never have had someone check my phone or laptop so far.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

I was reading in some forum that sometimes CBP looks at phones of single older men coming from Thailand etc . I have never have had someone check my phone or laptop so far.

 

That is indeed becoming more frequent. The last few BKK flights I've taken, I've seen guys put into separate queue for additional screening and they all shared common traits: White, 50+, traveling solo, overweight.

 

I don't know exactly how CBP is profiling, but this was flagrant to me.

 

Bottom line: I'd exercise caution, keeping nothing on my devices that would come close to be considered incriminating evidence.

[+ ArVaGuy]

Some years ago I was traveling back and forth across the border to Vancouver about every other month for the better part of a year organizing a conference. At one point the Canadian customs agent wanted to know why I was traveling to Canada so frequently. By this time I was pretty much fed up with the passive aggressive Canadian bullying.

 

I looked the agent dead in the eye and told him I was organizing an international environmental conference with well over one thousand delegates, would be bringing over CN $5 million in business to the country and creating several dozen jobs for Canadian citizens. Then told him part of the deal still had contingencies and I could just as readily pull the business. The agent stared at me for a brief while then stamped my passport and didn’t even say “Welcome to Canada.”

 

Fast forward nearly six months later. Our Latin American delegates, which comprised 25 percent of attendance, got put through the Customs wringer. They complained of abuse, blatant racism, and intimidation. They were quizzed about working in Canada and all kinds of issues. In some cases delegates were denied entry despite having met all the visa requirements and having proper document.

 

After a day and a half of complaints I read the riot act to the Vancouver Convention Bureau and told them to put a stop to this bullshit. Someone made phone calls and our delegates started sailing through customs without issues. To this day, whenever Canada is mentioned as a conference option someone from our Latin America team recounts the trouble experienced by our colleagues and Canada is dropped as an option. However, I’m sure one of these days we’ll bring a conference back but I will be sure to find ways of dealing with passive aggressive Canadian Customs more proactively.

[+ Gar1eth]

Some years ago I was traveling back and forth across the border to Vancouver about every other month for the better part of a year organizing a conference. At one point the Canadian customs agent wanted to know why I was traveling to Canada so frequently. By this time I was pretty much fed up with the passive aggressive Canadian bullying.

 

I looked the agent dead in the eye and told him I was organizing an international environmental conference with well over one thousand delegates, would be bringing over CN $5 million in business to the country and creating several dozen jobs for Canadian citizens. Then told him part of the deal still had contingencies and I could just as readily pull the business. The agent stared at me for a brief while then stamped my passport and didn’t even say “Welcome to Canada.”

 

Fast forward nearly six months later. Our Latin American delegates, which comprised 25 percent of attendance, got put through the Customs wringer. They complained of abuse, blatant racism, and intimidation. They were quizzed about working in Canada and all kinds of issues. In some cases delegates were denied entry despite having met all the visa requirements and having proper document.

 

After a day and a half of complaints I read the riot act to the Vancouver Convention Bureau and told them to put a stop to this bullshit. Someone made phone calls and our delegates started sailing through customs without issues. To this day, whenever Canada is mentioned as a conference option someone from our Latin America team recounts the trouble experienced by our colleagues and Canada is dropped as an option. However, I’m sure one of these days we’ll bring a conference back but I will be sure to find ways of dealing with passive aggressive Canadian Customs more proactively.

 

I went to a conference years ago in Toronto. It was 1999. We were carrying posters in those round poster holders. I remember Canadian Customs looking at them very carefully. I'm wondering if they were looking for drugs.

 

Bottom line: I'd exercise caution, keeping nothing on my devices that would come close to be considered incriminating evidence.

 

You've just described me to a T although I have no plans to go to Thailand. Were these flights originating from somewhere in Canada to Bangkok?

 

Gman