Atlanta - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers recently intercepted a male passenger from Nigeria attempting to enter the United States using documents belonging to another individual. The 19-year-old revealed the documents had been purchased in an attempt to ease entry to the United States as a returning U.S. citizen.
During processing for removal from the United States, the passenger revealed his true identity and claimed to be suffering from malaria, an infectious, but not contagious disease. After immediate consultations by CBP with U.S. Public Health, the passenger was transported to a local hospital, where a malaria diagnosis was confirmed. The passenger received treatment at the hospital for several days to complete the required dosage of medicines. Upon clearance by doctors, the passenger was returned by CBP to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport where his processing for removal from the United States was completed.
"This apprehension of a person with an infectious disease is an excellent example of the diligence and wide range of responsibilities that our CBP officers face on a daily basis in order to protect the safety of the U.S. public", said Steven Kremer, Atlanta area port director.
CBP officers in Atlanta annually identify imposters, photo substituted passports, fraudulent visas and other fraudulent documentation during routine interviews and examinations.