Three bridges allow drivers to travel between Michigan and Canada: the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, the International Bridge connecting Michigan’s Sault Ste. Marie to Canada’s Sault Ste. Marie, and the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron. If you live in Port Huron, there’s a good chance you cross the Blue Water Bridge frequently, whether it’s to try your luck at the casino or simply spend the day exploring the country across the water. There’s also a good chance you’ve been stopped at the border crossings, and all you could do was sit in your car or stand in the border patrol office scratching your head regarding the reason why.
It’s a scary feeling you’ll want to avoid at all costs, not only for your own peace of mind but also to help ensure you’re genuinely doing your part to support law enforcement officials’ goals of protecting each nation.
6 Common Reasons Why Drivers Could Get Stopped at the Border Crossings
1. Not appropriately declaring purchases or trying to conceal them.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection, when returning to the United States from another country, you may have to declare purchases on a CBP declaration form. However, that depends on a variety of issues, including the length of your stay in the foreign country, what you purchased, how much you purchased, whether or not it’s duty-free, and many other factors.
2. Providing false identification or not having current identification.
If you’re driving between the United States and Canada, an enhanced license may be all you need to get there and back. If you’re flying, you still need a valid passport.
3. Bringing something illegal or inappropriate into the respective country.
Having an obscene amount of cash, for example, may set off a red flag.
4. Being wanted for a past crime.
As you’re traveling between countries, border patrol agents will check your identification, possibly leading to the discovery of outstanding warrants.
5. Being in the process of committing a crime.
Clearly, driving a stolen vehicle, drunken driving, transporting drugs, carrying illegal weapons, or committing any other crime will get you stopped at the border crossings and most likely arrested.
6. Border patrol agents have reason to believe you are planning to commit a crime.
The agents are there for a reason: to protect both countries. If they have valid suspicions about you and what you will do in their country, you might be questioned or detained. Note this: border patrol agents cannot discriminate against you solely because of your race or ethnicity.
What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested
If you’re on American soil, you still have the right to remain silent, and you cannot be held for an extended period of time without cause.
Border patrol agents’ main objective is to verify your citizenship, so they must abide by their own rules and standards.
If you believe you were unjustly held or discriminated against at any border crossing, contact a qualified attorney to learn more about your rights.
Tags: Arrested in Port Huron