Detroit, Mich. - In June, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agriculture specialists at the Port of Detroit Metropolitan Airport processed over 129,800 passengers, intercepted more than $360,000 in currency, and prohibited entry of 2045 agricultural products, meat items, and pests from travelers entering the United States.
During June, CBP officers processed 129,855 passengers arriving at Detroit Metro Airport from a foreign country. This is an increase from May figures. Among these were 814 new immigrants to the United States. Forty-three travelers were denied entry or allowed to withdraw their application for entry to the United States due to a variety of reasons to include entering to live or work here without the proper visa. One significant encounter involved a citizen of Rwanda with an alleged conviction for genocide in the 1990's. The subject was refused entry and ultimately claimed a fear of returning to Rwanda.
CBP officers processed numerous currency seizures during the month of June, intercepting $360,121 from passengers entering or departing the United States. While it is not a crime to carry more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments across the border, it is a federal offense not to declare it to a CBP officer upon entry or exit from the U.S. or to conceal it with intent to evade reporting requirements. Many currency seizures over the years have been tracked back to terrorism or the illegal drug trade.
A joint effort between the passenger analysis unit and Customs and Border Protection enforcement officers led to the arrest and prosecution of two citizens of the Philippines who had fraudulent Philippine entry stamps in their passports. The stamps were obtained in an effort to conceal a previous overstay in the United States.
Although travelers returning to the United States from a foreign country are prohibited from bringing fresh fruits, meats, plants, birds, and plant and animal products that may harbor pests or diseases, agriculture specialists intercepted 1265 plants and fruits, 638 meat products, and 142 pests during the month of June. The interception of these items supports the vital role CBP plays in protecting our agricultural resources.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.