IP: Read both forwarded msgs -- INS Official statement re: Atrocities in American Airports

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

------ Forwarded Message
From: "Meeks, Brock (MSNBCi)" <Brock.Meeks () MSNBC COM>
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 12:53:42 -0700
To: "'farber () cis upenn edu'" <farber () cis upenn edu>
Subject: FYI re: Atrocities in American Airports

I just got off the phone with an INS spokesperson in the L.A. field office.

The most basic facts appear to be true.  The man is who he claims to be.
Yes, he did arrive at LAX as he says and yes, the INS did have problems with
his documentation. 

The matter was investigated by the INS and with the Brazilian consulate back
in March.  The INS put out a statement then and they are faxing it to me in
a short while; I'll transcribe that fax and send it on to you here.

The INS spokesman said he was aware that the message was now flying around
the net.  "That's not exactly an accurate story," the spokesman said.

Apparently when the episode first happened the man went to the press, didn't
get the reaction he wanted so now he's taking it to the Internet, according
to the INS spokesman.

When I asked "does the INS have little cells like the message states?" I was
told "Yes we do have, of course we have detention areas. We feel that our
offices acted appropriately," the spokesman said.

More when I get it.


------ End of Forwarded Message

------ Forwarded Message
From: "Meeks, Brock (MSNBCi)" <Brock.Meeks () MSNBC COM>
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 13:05:23 -0700
To: "'farber () cis upenn edu'" <farber () cis upenn edu>
Subject: INS Official statement re: Atrocities in American Airports

Dave, 

As you'll see from the official statement below, the INS doesn't deny any of
the basic facts in the case, indeed, as an earlier message from me indicted,
I checked with the INS and they confirmed that "yes, of course we have
detention areas."  

The INS says below that their officers "acted appropriately" which tells me
they did indeed take some kind of action.

The true picture remains murky at best.  Here is the official statement from
the INS L.A. field office regarding this incident:


Statement by Thomas J Schiltgen, district director, INS Los Angeles Office,
dated March 22, 2002:

"The Immigration and Naturalization Service is committed to treating all
those who arrive at our ports of entry with dignity and respect, regardless
of their nationality or immigration status.  We understand that a Brazilian
citizen who was denied admission at the Los Angeles International Airport
(LAX) in February because he did not have the proper visa has expressed
concern about his treatment.

"I met with the Brazilian Consul General in Los Angeles and assured him that
we take matters of this kind seriously.  As soon as I learned about this
case, I asked for a thorough inquiry.  Based on the information I received,
I am satisfied that our officers acted appropriately in this instance.

"Immigration Inspectors are tasked with ensuring that only those who are
legally eligible to enter the United States are allowed to do so.  As the
first person travelers meet when they arrive in the United State, our
Inspectors are not only officers, they are also ambassadors.  We take that
responsibility very seriously and want to reassure visitors from Brazil and
around the world that they can expect to be treated professionally and
courteously by all of our personnel.  If we fall short of that standard, we
will hold those responsible accountable."



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