In April, Paul Karl Lukacs landed at San Francisco International Airport after visiting China, and he refused to tell the passport control officer why he was thereHe reports what happened on his blog“Why were you in China?” asked the passport control officer, a woman with the appearance and disposition of a prison matron.
“None of your business,” I saidHer eyes widened in disbelief“Excuse me?” she asked“I’m not going to be interrogated as a pre-condition of re-entering my own country,” I saidThis did not go over wellShe asked a series of questions, such as how long I had been in China, whether I was there on personal business or commercial business, etc.
I stood silentlyShe said that her questions were mandated by Congress and that I should complain to Congress instead of refusing to cooperate with herShe asked me to take one of my small bags off her counter.
I compliedShe picked up the phone and told someone I “was refusing to cooperate at all.” This was incorrectI had presented her with proof of citizenship (a U.Spassport) and had moved the bag when she asked.
What I was refusing to do was answer her questionsA male Customs and Border Protection officer appeared to escort me to “Secondary.” He tried the good cop routine, cajoling me to just answer a few questions so that I could be on my way.
I repeated that I refused to be interrogated as a pre-condition of re-entering my own country“Am I free to go?” I asked“No,” he saidDetained By The Feds For Not Answering Questions...
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