CHAMPLAIN, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Champlain Port of Entry arrested a subject who attempted entry into the U.S. by the false use of a passport.

“Our officers are expertly trained in imposter detection,” said Port Director Paul Mongillo. “This arrest displays their high attention to detail when inspecting travelers.”

An individual is considered an imposter when they present a travel document that does not belong to them in an attempt to gain entry into the U.S. 

Suspect arrested at Champlain Port of Entry as passport imposter.

CBP Officers encountered Rowan Taylor, a 27 year-old male Irish citizen traveling on a bus. Taylor presented an Italian passport bearing a different photo and name to enter the United States. CBP officers used observational and interview techniques along with biometric verification to determine Taylor’s false passport use. 

Taylor was arrested by CBP officers, and later presented before a U.S. federal magistrate. He was charged with Misuse of a Passport and remanded into custody pending a detention hearing.

CBP officers are trained to be vigilant in securing our borders between ports of entry, and at established air, land, seaports and preclearance locations where individuals may attempt to enter with false documents or as imposters.

On a typical day in Fiscal Year 2015,  CBP officers intercepted 75 individuals attempting to gain entry to the U.S. with the fraudulent use of a travel document.