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Was that the Sault Ste Marie border?
We had a real hard time there last summer, for some reason the guy in the kiosk didnt like me,he said drive to gate 8,we were escorted on one side of the car with a guy in camouflage with a big gun and a guy on the other-side ready to use a spike strip the kids were crying and were wondering if we were going to be shot, after an hour of grilling basically wanting to know every aspect of our lives they finally let us continue on our journey.
Basically border guards have unlimited power they can ask or do anything they please, most times it goes smoothly but be aware you are at their mercy...
A video i like to post in this type of topic showing just how fast it can all go to h ell
Well, the video does show how fast it can all go to h ell; HOWEVER, IMO, the Canadian citizen trying to cross the border had the bad attitude. Sure, the questions started getting ridiculous, but it's way easier to just answer them!! If I would have been asked what store I'm going to (in the mall) I would have said a few store names....Sears, JC Penney, whatever. Whenever my husband and I go back and forth (Canada/US) we just answer the questions. Hey, if they want to know what I had for lunch I'll tell them, in detail! I should add that my husband has a long ZZ Top-esque beard and hair and could certainly be a type to profile. So far we have never had any problems, because we don't find any of the questions problematic. Now, if I'm ever asked how old I was when I lost my virginity, then I might wonder.
Anyway, I think the title of that youtube video is unfair since that guy was acting like a teenage brat talking back to his mom. He just wasn't too smart. He also showed that Canadians can be a lot like Americans....... ..she said, with a sense of humor.
Last edited by geebabe; 07-04-2013 at 05:01 PM..
Reason: spelling
I crossed from Buffalo to Canada a few times last summer in a rental car with NH tags without an issue. Similar questions to the OP.
As a side note, came back from the Bahamas recently on a private boat and checked in with US customs "OVER THE PHONE!" Give the info, they ask a few questions but never saw the people or the boat it was sitting at the dock behind a private home. We did have to appear within 24 hours in person (airport 30 miles away) and it was a 20 second stop. They never saw the boat, the bags, the other people etc. But then again honest people were the only ones checking in anyway!
^^While that can be true, I'd bet it's 90% the other way. I think it's more likely an agent with an attitude, bad day, or a superiority complex.
You have NEVER suffered through a slowdown by Customs Canada at the Detroit - Windsor border when there is a labor dispute. Five minutes of questions per car.
I saw the video, thanks for posting. If the Canadian passing through the border showed some respect he would not have had any problems. Did these people know they were stopped by Federal Officers? Or, did they think they were dealing with citizens at the mall ?
If you encounter law enforcement, you must obey there commands, and not continue to question them. This guy says there must be a reason for his being detained. There is not , the officer can have reasonable suspicion or probable cause he can detain the subject. If this driver, who showed no respect for the Officers ,would keep his mouth shut, and answer the questions he would have been down the road in 5 minutes. He keeps questioning everything and he deserves to spend the night in jail for his big mouth. I would have found a reason to lock the guy up for since he is such a smart a$$ (Obstruction of Justice).
I saw the video, thanks for posting. If the Canadian passing through the border showed some respect he would not have had any problems. Did these people know they were stopped by Federal Officers? Or, did they think they were dealing with citizens at the mall ?
If you encounter law enforcement, you must obey there commands, and not continue to question them. This guy says there must be a reason for his being detained. There is not , the officer can have reasonable suspicion or probable cause he can detain the subject. If this driver, who showed no respect for the Officers ,would keep his mouth shut, and answer the questions he would have been down the road in 5 minutes. He keeps questioning everything and he deserves to spend the night in jail for his big mouth. I would have found a reason to lock the guy up for since he is such a smart a$$ (Obstruction of Justice).
The Canadian guy was a jerk no doubt. I have no sympathy for him. It's important to realize that these aren't TSA agents (i.e. reject wallmart security, with no police powers), but federal LEOs. One actually told me that they make more criminal arrests (for wanted felons) then any other federal law enforcement agency. The 2nd officer was actually very patient with him, firm, but patient.
As for asking about vehicle registration, YES they can and do ask about that, and dozens of other things as well. Remember that NO ONE, except a US citizen, or permanent resident of the US, has a RIGHT to enter the country. And as of 2009, EVERYONE from ANYWHERE has to produce a passport, NEXUS card or US state issued "enhanced driver's license " to be admitted to the USA. PERIOD.
Jim B
Toronto.
Thanks, Jim, for your post. It's good to hear the perspective of a Canadian who crossed the border frequently. Just to clarify, all of us are US citizens, in our 50's and 60's, either professionals or retired professionals, and who have crossed into Canada as tourists from Michigan many times. No attitude was displayed by the driver of our car and the rest of us didn't say a word, as we were not asked any direct questions. Upon reflection, I can see how the DMV questions were legit, as you and other posters have mentioned, customs officials can ask pretty much anything.
I think in retrospect, we were a bit taken aback by the harshness and grilling demeanor of the US customs official upon our re-entry to the US, especially since all of us are US citizens and were only in Canada for about 8 hours, for a day trip to Pelee Island in S Ontario. We crossed at Detroit, a very busy crossing, and perhaps we just got a somewhat surly official. Luck of the draw. Thanks for posting.
Was that the Sault Ste Marie border?
We had a real hard time there last summer, for some reason the guy in the kiosk didnt like me,he said drive to gate 8,we were escorted on one side of the car with a guy in camouflage with a big gun and a guy on the other-side ready to use a spike strip the kids were crying and were wondering if we were going to be shot, after an hour of grilling basically wanting to know every aspect of our lives they finally let us continue on our journey.
Basically border guards have unlimited power they can ask or do anything they please, most times it goes smoothly but be aware you are at their mercy...
A video i like to post in this type of topic showing just how fast it can all go to h ell
We crossed at Detroit-Windsor, a very busy crossing. I have crossed at Port Huron without any hassles, but that was a few years ago. Maybe things are getting worse at the US-Canada border, but I think it just comes down to which official you end up with. The driver of the car I was in last weekend said he is often asked to provide his license plate #. Who memorizes that? Well, we did while waiting in line......
Asking for a plate number is a way of "testing the person " that is driving. Remember that the inspector in the booth can SEE the plate number on a TV monitor that is focused on the vehicle being processed at the booth. He can also read the scan for explosives and or drugs that is embedded in the pavement of the drive through lane. Those sniffers are very efficient at detecting odours, as are the secondary inspection canines.
Canadian officers key on USMC vehicle stickers, and NRA membership stickers, for "gun questions ". Same thing for US military base parking decals, and US military family decals.
In law enforcement circles it is quite normal to focus investigative questions on "target groups " who may yield contraband items. CBSA agents seize numerous illegal hand guns, from US residents, at our border ports of entry, every day of the year. In the calendar year of 2012, the CBSA seized about 4,000 hand guns, and more that 12,000 long guns, from persons trying to enter Canada, with out declaring them. It is possible to bring long guns ( rifles and shotguns for hunting use ) into Canada, IF the proper applications and declarations are made at entry.
Lest you think that I am anti gun...........I served for thirty years in the Canadian Forces, as a military Police Investigator and I was armed, while on duty. BUT when I went off duty, I was un-armed, as are ALL Canadian Police officers. Yes, in Canada, an off duty cop is not armed, per our laws. At the end of their shift, their issue weapon is locked in their individual gun locker, at the station, and they go home. I have never felt the need to own any firearms, as a private citizen.
When off duty, a Police officer in Canada is just another citizen. They are ordered NOT to get involved in a situation...........but do what EVERY citizen is urged to do...............CALL 911, and make notes, and when the situation is calm, identify themselves, and assist the on duty officers, with any information they may have, re suspects, vehicles or plate numbers. As a result, police officers shooting other "cops ' is a very rare situation here in Canada, compared to the USA, where it happens all too frequently.
This is interesting information. I am hoping to drive up the US Coast and in to Canada next year. Will have to memorize my license plate, LOL...as I have NO clue what it is and I am the registered owner of the vehicle. Wondering, idle curiosity now, what happens if the driver has no clue as to the license plate...
The Customs and Immigration officers can ask you anything they want to about any subject at all. Keep in mind that they do not have to allow you to enter the USA, even if you are a USA citizen.
They can not remove you from the States if you are a citizen, but they can refuse to admit you into the States.
If you run into one who is grumpy, keep in mind that he stands there all day sucking in exhaust fumes, listening to smartmouth rude people who can't follow directions insist that they know their rights and the officer works for them because they pay taxes and therefore he is supposed to do what pleases them. Which, by the way, is an excellent way to get yourself pulled over for more attention.
If your papers are in order, you aren't smuggling, then be calm, be polite, and answer a few questions and they will send you on your way. Just because you know that the couple in the back seat are citizens and don't have outstanding warrants, the officer does not. He has to check out the possibility. Just because people look "nice" does not mean they aren't up to something illegal.
If you and your passengers are not up to anything illegal, they will let you through.
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..she said, with a sense of humor. 
