Crossing the US border

By Syed Hussan; July 30, 2011 - rabble.ca
http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/hussan/2011/07/crossing-us-b...

"We are just here to ask you some questions, Syed".

Said the younger, shorter man who introduced himself as Ryan. This other one said his name was Dave. "We are from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Air Marshall Service." Badges flashed and taken away.

Its 9:30am on Thursday, July 28, 2011. I've just been put in an interview room with blood stains on the floor and clothes strewn around. I've been at the United States border, the Peace Bridge, since 4:45.

"I understand you are on house arrest, Syed."

"No I am not."

"I see, why are you trying to enter the United States today, Syed."

I've already been interrogated by Customs and Border Patrol, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, by plain clothes men that declined to introduce themselves and I am exhausted.

"Look, as I told the last 5 people, I was arrested with 1,100 people during the anti-G20 protests in June 2010, and I am awaiting trial. My house arrest was lifted a month ago. My mom was diagnosed with cancer last week, she's just had surgery and I need to go see her. I am just here to go to the Canadian consulate, get a re-entry visa, and then go back. I have had my bail conditions changed to allow that. The embassy closes in 30 minutes, why am I being held here?"

(I've spent the last week to prove to the Crown that she is indeed my mother, and that I am not lying about her illness, begging to get my passport back)

"We'd just like to ask a few questions," Dave says.

"Do you know anyone who holds extremist opinions?"

"Do you know anyone who intends to destroy the United States government?"

"Do you believe the United States should not be a member of the G20?"

"Are you working as an agent for a foreign government?"

"Would you like to share information with the United States government about extremist elements?"

"Are you worried about the political situation in Pakistan?"

"Do you believe the United States government has exacerbated the political situation in Pakistan?"

"Would you like to help us?"

"Do you condone violence?"

"Do you know anyone that has ever counseled violence against the United States government, its allies, or its institutions?"

"If you knew any of this, would you share this information with the US government?"

"Please list all US citizens you've associated with in the last 5 years."

"Have you taken part in violent activities?"

"If you were made aware of violent activities, what would you do with this information?"

"Are you aware of anti-government elements in the United States?"

"Why were you born in Libya?"

"List every address you have lived in since birth."

"Describe the protests that took place against the G20."

This goes on and on and on. I answer, knowing that I had to avoid lies, as well as statements they did not agree with.

At 1pm, I'm told I will be let go. My entry visa has been canceled by the Department of State, for unknown reasons at an unknown date; I'm asked to sign papers saying that I understand this.

At 1:15pm, I am strip searched, shackled, handcuffed to a chain around my waist, driven three minutes across to Canada and handed over to Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.

The questions start anew.

"Are you in contact with the people that were responsible for the crimes you are alleged to have committed?"

"Have you come in contact with any law enforcement body in the last year?"

"How do you feel about the political situation in Pakistan?"

At 2pm, I start the drive back to Toronto.

We have to do something about these borders.

Syed Hussan is an organizer and writer in Toronto working with undocumented and migrant peoples and in defense of Indigenous Sovereignty.