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The highest form of U.S. government in Canada has responded after a Kelowna woman accused three U.S. border guards of detaining her illegally.
United States Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman sent a letter to Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas, who got involved when he read the original story, on Thursday.
“Mr. Heyman has sent a response saying that the U.S. Border Protection Agency has very strict policies against these kinds of situations and they are actively investigating the situation,” Albas said. “I’m happy because the highest U.S. official in Canada took the time to respond to a concern.”
“Although I do not at this time know the outcome of this investigation or the expected completion date I do appreciate that Ambassador Heyman, on behalf of the United States government, has taken the time to respond with an update on what actions are currently being undertaken as a result of this complaint.”
The woman, who KelownaNow spoke to in May, said she encountered terrifying treatment at the Roosville, Mont., border crossing.
She alleged that three men who worked at the United States border illegally searched her, without any women in the room, and she had not been able to file a complaint online.
“Many people were outraged by her experience and had called for there to be investigations and for proper consequences to be made if those allegations are true,” Albas told KelownaNow on July 14. “I believe that people deserve to be heard.
“I also believe that government officials, regardless of what side of the border they’re on have a duty to all of their citizens to make sure that protocols are being followed through.”
Albas wrote directly to the ambassador, speaking on behalf of concerned constituents.
Albas wouldn’t comment on whether he’s spoken to the Kelowna resident who made the complaint but said, “To any constituent who has concerns about something like this, my office is always open.”
Jason Givens, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said the investigation will take more time.
“Due to the seriousness of the accusations and the depth required to complete a full investigation, the allegations made by a Canadian traveller regarding an interaction with CBP officers on May 14 at the Roosville, Mont., port of entry remain under investigation,” he said.
He said they will provide an update once the investigation is complete.
“While we appreciate the very low incidence of complaints received related to encounters with our law enforcement professionals, CBP also strives to take all concerns seriously and look into each complaint,” he continued. “We do not tolerate abuse within our ranks, and we fully cooperate with investigations of alleged misconduct by our personnel, on or off duty.”
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