Lancaster, Minn. - Border Patrol agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection along with assistance from the Kittson County Sheriffs Department apprehended a Canadian Citizen that ran the Lancaster port of entry on Feb. 23.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. CST a dark midsized pickup drove through the Lancaster port of entry at a high rate of speed without stopping for inspection. Border Patrol agents were immediately dispatched and apprehended the vehicle south of the Lancaster port of entry.
The vehicle was driven by a 25-year-old male from Winnipeg, Manitoba. After the apprehension by Border Patrol agents, the subject was transported back to the Pembina port of entry where he was issued a $5,000 penalty and was voluntarily removed from the United States back to Canada.
Keeping terrorists from entering the country, preventing illegal entry, intercepting dangerous drugs and contraband, and apprehending fugitives are all part of what U.S. Customs and Border Protection does every day at the ports of entry and between the ports of entry. Smugglers and others trying to bypass inspection sometimes refuse to comply with instructions and "run the port."
"Port running," refers to incidents where a person or vehicle crossing into or out of the United States fails to stop or attempts to avoid or bypass inspection at a port of entry. These instances occur when an individual drives a vehicle into the United States at an open or closed port of entry without inspection.
People who engage in "port running" face serious consequences for their actions, including both civil and criminal penalties. A civil penalty of at least $5,000 and up to $10,000 may be levied, the vehicle may be seized, and individuals may also face criminal prosecution.