Overview

• Bachir Atallah, a U.S. citizen originally from Lebanon, and his wife Jessica were detained for nearly five hours at the Highgate Springs checkpoint in Vermont on April 13, 2025.
• Atallah alleges he was handcuffed, separated from his wife, and not informed of the reason for their detention or read his rights during the secondary inspection.
• While detained, Atallah experienced chest pains and dizziness, prompting an evaluation by Emergency Medical Services, though he chose not to go to the hospital to remain with his wife.
• CBP officials have denied all allegations of misconduct, stating their actions were in line with routine and lawful secondary inspection protocols.
• Atallah, now in Lebanon, has expressed fears of retaliation for speaking out and is pursuing legal action over alleged violations of his rights and mistreatment.