Homeland Security Issues

[Cubaguy]

I hear a rumor that U.S. Customs are arresting Americans getting off Cuba airplanes in Mexico. I understand they are staking out some airports randomly. Has anybody else heard, or confirmed this. Someone on another board swears his friend was arrested at the airport in Mexico City. Part of some new Homeland security crackdown.

[greslogo]

I do not believe that the US has immigration and customs preclearance at Mexican airports like they do in Canada.

Therefore, the story has no merit.

[Cubaguy]

I hope your right. But I was aware that they were working a deal with Mexico over a month ago. I think the deal may have happened. I will post the 2 posts I just read.

[Cubaguy]

here is one posting I saw:

I friend of mine told me that on around 12/04/03, a friend of his was flying back from Havana, through Mexico City, and he was arrested after coming off the plane, by a U.S. government official, of some sort, for traveling to Cuba illegally. He claims there are now U.S. agents randomly posted in Mexican airports, specifically trying to catch Americans trying to use the loophole in the system.

Does anyone have firsthand knowledge, about flights through Cancun? Is this airport also hot? Any thoughts, or tips?

[Cubaguy]

Here is the other posting (but it loses a little credibility due to the fact that the fine can be as high as $250,000, not $10,000 as this porting states):


I guess I was not clear in the first message. The Dept. of Homeland Security agents are posted at the gates, in the Mexican airports. I suppose they made a deal with the Mexican government. When you get off the flight from Havana, they ask you for your passport, if you appear to be an American. If you have an American passport, you are subject to a $10,000 fine, and I do not know what other hassles. This is not joke. This is part of the new crackdown.

[greslogo]

This is the first I've heard of this and I check a LOT of Cuba related boards.

There is also the issue that US Immigration has no authority to ask anyone for anything in another country.

If true (I seriously doubt it) I'd tell them, "no habla ingles" and ignore them.

[Sancho]

This is clearly an urban legend. Mexico is very touchy about having foreign agents operating in their country. In fact, Mexican authorities recently arrested an American bounty hunter for catching a guy who was wanted for murder in the U.S. If U.S. police are pursuing someone who crosses the border into Mexico, they are not allowed to continue the pursuit into Mexican territory; no matter what the crime is.

Even if this were to happen, it wouldn't be Homeland Security doing the arresting, it would be Customs agents acting under the authority of the Office of Foreign Asset Control. On top of that, travelling to Cuba in violation of OFAC regulations is a civil matter which can only impose fines, not imprisonment.

If it were a criminal matter, violators would be entitled to a "speedy trial". Some of these "violations" that are now being referred to a court for hearing occurred many years ago. Thus, the statute of limitations would have expired.

[Cubaguy]

Although I agree that the Customs agents in airports may only be a rumor at this point, and highly unlikely, I disagree that this is a "civil" crime. The law states that you can get up to 10 years in prision! Period. This is the law.

I imagine when you request a hearing, you are waiving you right to a speedy trial. Maybe with this crackdown they will give speedy trials, as there are new judges assigned to these cases now. Maybe old ones will be fines, but maybe new violations will impose prision.

I hope not.

[Donmutch]

Cubaguy...Dude if your so freaked out then don't go!!

[grichf]

There is no way the Mexicans will allow US agents to arrest people coming off of Cuba flights. No country is going to allow their sovereinty to be compromised to enforce a law they do not even agree with.
Something might have happened but it was grossly misinterpreted. For instance US DEA agents work with local authorities in many countries.

[Cubaguy]

Shawn:

Who said anything about being freaked out? I was simply posting something I heard!If you don't like my post, don't reply! Instead of "freaking out" and replying to my post, ignore it!

Your a real tool!

[Sancho]

Cubaguy - OFAC regulations: "Civil penalties up to $55,000 may also be imposed". The fact that "hearing" judges are . . .well. . . hearing the cases means there is no jury and thus no criminal action.

Your statement "I imagine when you request a hearing, you are waiving you right to a speedy trial" is totally inaccurate. In fact, it is just the opposite. In requesting a hearing, you are exercising your rights. Civil and criminal law (crime) are two distintly different things.

"Maybe old ones will be fines, but maybe new violations will impose prision." But maybe the sky will fall too.

[Donmutch]

"I was simply posting something I heard"

Well, keep Believing everything you hear [smiley=uhoh2.gif]
Your not as bright as i thought :-/

acanuck hit the nail on the head and that is basic Common sense.

Dumb Post!!

O'Ya "your a real tool" !!How Original!! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[greslogo]

Hey guys......

I can be a jerk as much as the next guy when it comes to posts like the one from the OP but I would cut him some slack.

Other than being naive, I see no reason to attack him.

That's the way I see it.

Carry on.

[mellisas]

shawn,you are like a breath of fresh air.
it is great to have you on this board. ;D ;D
open and honest. [smiley=2thumbsup.gif]

[Donmutch]

mellisas... :-* y Feliz navidad y próspero año nuevo 8)

[Cubaguy]

Shawn:
Shawn:

First of all, let's get 3 things straight!

One, I posted something I picked up on another board.
Second: I didn't say ANYTHING about being freaked out;

And one last thing: I didn't say I necessaily believed it! I was posting to see if anyone has heard likewise.

So before you tell me I am not as bright as you thought, let's get one more thing straight!Your opinion and flaming doesn't mean anything to me becaise you can't read. And what you can read, you obviously can't comprehend!

I guess what I am saying that if your not an *******, your just an idiot!

Adios!

[Cubaguy]

Shawn:

And not that I re-read my post, I see that I even stated that the article losses it credibility. I would hardly say I was presenting this rumor as fact. Learn how to read before you flame. Comprende?

regarding the $55,000 cival penalty. That is correct. But, it is a cival penalty in addition to criminal penalties up to $250,000. If you go to the OAFC website, it is written. Although it is not common. I would even wager that it has, nor ever will be enforced heavily. I think they are nailing the recent cases for $7500 per person. This is the common amount if caught.

I go every year. I roll the dice. So, I am not going to be scared out of my Cuba trips. So before this turns into a flame war, I am sorry that I tried to post a news breaking rumor. I would rather hear newer rumors that may have merit, maybe not, than to not hear them at all. This is a value to a forum.

[Donmutch]

lol!!! What a Zero!! [smiley=gossip.gif] [smiley=square.gif]

[Cubaguy]

Yes, that is about your I.Q.
Maybe someday after you learn english and begin to understand it, you will realize what a dumb remark you made!

It's always the real winners that are the first to flame. I would love to see your lifestyle, loser...I would probably have more pity on you.

Meanwhile, read what I said moron.

[mellisas]

ah..joy to all.
tis the season of goodwill [smiley=santa2.gif]