Family Awarded $1.5M After Customs Agents Kept US Citizens, Ages 9 and 14, Imprisoned

In a recent court ruling, a family has been awarded $1.5 million in damages after their two children, aged nine and 14, were illegally detained by customs agents for over a week.

The incident occurred in 2024, when the family was returning to the United States from a vacation in Mexico. Upon arrival at the El Paso Port of Entry, they were immediately taken into custody by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

Despite repeatedly showing proof of their US citizenship, including passports and birth certificates, the family was held in detention for nine days. During this time, they were denied access to legal representation and were not provided with any explanation for their detainment.

The children, who suffered from anxiety and panic attacks, were traumatized by the experience. They were separated from their parents and forced to sleep on concrete floors with only thin blankets for warmth.

After almost a week of being detained, a court order was issued for their release as there was no legal basis for their continued imprisonment. The family’s lawyer stated that this case is just one of many where CBP officers have overstepped their authority and violated the rights of US citizens.

The $1.5 million awarded to the family is a significant victory in holding CBP accountable for their actions. The ruling serves as a reminder that all individuals, regardless of their citizenship status, are entitled to due process and fair treatment under the law.

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of abuse by CBP officers at US borders. It is crucial for government agencies to prioritize proper training and accountability measures for officers to prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future.

As part of the court’s ruling, CBP was also ordered to review its policies and procedures to ensure that such violations do not happen again. This serves as a step towards addressing the systemic issues within the agency and protecting the rights of all individuals crossing US borders.

  • The family was detained for nine days despite showing proof of their US citizenship.
  • The children were traumatized by the experience and suffered from anxiety and panic attacks.
  • The court awarded $1.5 million in damages to hold CBP accountable for their actions.
  • CBP has been ordered to review its policies and procedures to prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future.
  • This incident highlights ongoing issues with abuse by CBP officers at US borders.

Overall, this ruling sets an important precedent in protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their citizenship status, and ensuring that government agencies are held accountable for their actions. As a country founded on principles of equality and justice for all, it is vital that we continue to work towards creating a fair and just society for everyone.

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