Amid heavy travel season, officer vigilance remains high
DALLAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport arrested a man who was attempting to enter the United States using counterfeit tourist visa, Sunday.
Oscar Esparza Garcia, age 33, a citizen of Mexico, was arriving from Guadalajara, Mexico as a tourist when CBP officers intercepted him.
CBP officers in Dallas used the advanced passenger information system that airlines are required to submit to CBP ahead of its arrival to begin their work of identifying passengers who may require additional inspections. During their review of the passenger information, CBP officers determined that Garcia was traveling with a visa that had not been issued.
“Though CBP is focused on streamlining legitimate trade and travel through cutting-edge technology this summer, we will continue to ensure the quality of our inspection does not waiver,” said CBP Port Director Cleatus P. Hunt Jr., Area Port of Dallas. “Our officer’s vigilance and determination to safeguarding the nation remains at the forefront of our priorities.”
Garcia had been removed from the United States on three separate occasions prior to Sunday. This was his first attempt at trying to enter the U.S. with a counterfeit document. He was administratively charged with Fraud/Misrepresentation and Attempting Entry without Proper Documents. He was processed for Expedited Removal from the United States which carries a permanent bar from entering the U.S.
Since 2005, transmitting advanced passenger information has been a requirement. Prior to September 11, 2001, air carriers provided advanced passenger information on a voluntary basis.
On a typical day in 2016, CBP officers intercepted 20 counterfeit or fraudulent documents.