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U.S. Citizen Detained at Border Plans Legal Action Against CBP

Bachir Atallah alleges abuse, medical neglect, and coerced searches during a five-hour detention at the Vermont-Canada border, while CBP defends the actions as routine and lawful.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer checks a tractor-trailer for clearance after crossing from Canada on September 20, 2005, in New York.
Image
Bachir Atallah, and his wife Jessica Fakhri pictured together.

Overview

  • Bachir Atallah, a U.S. citizen and attorney, was detained for nearly five hours by CBP agents while returning from Canada with his wife on April 13, 2025.
  • Atallah claims he was handcuffed, separated from his wife, and coerced into granting access to his phone, including privileged attorney-client emails.
  • An EMS report documented that Atallah experienced elevated blood pressure and was at risk of stroke and heart failure during the detention.
  • CBP officials deny misconduct, stating the inspection was routine and that all protocols, including respect for attorney-client privilege, were followed.
  • Atallah and his family are pursuing legal action, highlighting broader concerns about alleged overreach under expanded border enforcement policies.