Houston - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations officers located at the Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) discovered a man attempting to gain entry into the U.S. by claiming to be a Citizen of the U.S. and presenting a legitimate, fraudulently obtained, U.S. passport.
Twenty-four- year-old Mexican national, Jorge Retana Amaya, arrived at IAH on Oct. 9, and claimed to be a returning U.S. Citizen. During the inspection conducted by CBP officers, it was clear the individual had something to hide. CBP officers determined that the individual purchased a false birth certificate and social security card, and used them to fraudulently obtain the genuine U.S. Passport and a California Driver's License.
"Our job as CBP is guard our nations borders and to seek out those that wish to our country harm and those that break the law," said Terry L. Estell, Houston Service port director. "This is just one example of how our officers' diligence to the work they do, results in enforcement of our nation's laws."
The individual was referred for federal prosecution and ultimately the subject will be deported to his country of citizenship.
Individuals seeking to enter the U.S. by illegal means often utilize false documents and are encountered and apprehended by CBP officers at our land, air and sea ports of entry. In 2009 CBP officers intercepted more than 26,000 individuals seeking admission to the U.S. by presenting fraudulent document at our nation's ports of entry. CBP Field Operations officers are trained in document analysis and how to identify individuals who are attempting to enter the country illegally.
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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.