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MexicoGringoGuy
Nomad
Posts: 159
Registered: 6-20-2008
Location: Tijuana, Centro/Rio
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Border Patrol Officers
Not sure if anyone else has notices that it seems the officers at the border are getting more and more rude, and prison guard like (I used to be a
prison guard so i can say that).. There are a few that really treat people with utter disrespect.. I have theen the same older Asian guy screaming
at people for "having an attitude".. and it seems the officers are asking more and more questions .. Today after producing my US Passport, the lady
asled me what my nationalitity was.. where I have been, where I am going.. why.. why I was in Mexico.. How long I was in Mexico... What am I
bringing... .. I felt like I was a suspect or something..
A thought crossed my mind that maybe they are doing this tpo make people want to apply for anf get the senrty card.. for reasons of money and also
another way for Big Brother to get more info on its taxpayers..??
Hopefully when Obama gets electeted, this Gestapo like attitude at the border will lighten up... I mean I know they have a hard job to do, and I
appriciate the job they do.. BUT I think thier power keeps getting stronger and stronger.. Is there no end??
Sorry just my rants and raves
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The Gull
Super Nomad
Posts: 2223
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Rancho Descanso, BCN
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Mood: High
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Is this a political forum? Turning it into one?
The guys at Otay on the SENTRI and non-SENTRI booths have been very polite over the last month or so.
Having a pleasant 'tude w/o a chip on one's shoulder does help.
�I won\'t insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said.� William F. Buckley, Jr.
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movinguy
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Posts: 257
Registered: 3-19-2004
Location: Chula Vista, CA and Tijuana, MX
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You will find that there is no such thing as a "standard" line of questioning. I believe they are encouraged to use their own judgement as the
situation dictates - whether that's a good thing I'm not sure.
I cross 2-3 times a week (SENTRI), usually late at night - for the most part I am waved through with little or no dialogue. 
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MexicoGringoGuy
Nomad
Posts: 159
Registered: 6-20-2008
Location: Tijuana, Centro/Rio
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NO not political.. JUST adding my opinion about why things are the way they are...
I dont go in with a chip or tude.. It sjust I am an American Citizen trying to get into my country... I should not be treated suspect... I don't
have a sentry.. and I am NOT talking about crossing with Sentry.. so those that have commented its not valid because its different.. you ususally do
just get passed.. thats the whole point of sentry... BUT I should not have to have a sentry... to come back into my country with dignity and
respect..
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[Edited on 10-28-2008 by BajaNomad]
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greybaby
Nomad
Posts: 182
Registered: 10-8-2004
Location: Idaho - formerly Cantu
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Mood: Missing Baja
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Please don't allow this to turn into a political forum. I for one (along with probably many others) am sick to death of all the ads and look to this
board for a little break in all of the nonsense (I have already voted so I really don't need any more persuading).
We crossed every couple of weeks when we were living in Ensenada and every time was a different experience. Some friendly, some all business, but
only one time was an agent downright rude to us. He started yelling at me for being on my cell phone. I called the following day and I was "invited"
to file a complaint. I figure their job is hard enough without one more hassle from a US citizen who is grateful they are checking each car that
comes back into this country. It is a privilege, not a right, to live here. Their job is to protect our borders. And I truly believe we should
support them.
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lizard lips
Super Nomad
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Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: EARTH
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Never had a problem except with the Philippine officers. They always seem to have a chip..
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
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Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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I know what you are talking about with the line of questions. Once I produce my passport, then the questions become more pointed. What were you
doing in Mexico? Who do you know there? Why have you been to Colombia 4X in 1 year? Etc. Etc. Etc. I don't associate w/trouble, but they try and
accuse you just for traveling different places. It gets old. No, I don't need to spend extra $$ on a Sentry. Crossing the border should be free.
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MexicoGringoGuy
Nomad
Posts: 159
Registered: 6-20-2008
Location: Tijuana, Centro/Rio
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Just making a point and to deny the fact that crossing the border is effected by the current president is silly.. We all know that things are they
way they are because of who is there..
Im sorry you feel that you don't have a right as an American citizen to live in your country, BUT as a Person Born in the US, and someone who,
although doesnt utilize it.. Is on the Cherokee Indian Roles... I have EVERY RIGHT to live in the US.. and to come and go... thats why I paid
taxes.. why my parent etc etc paid taxes.. to give me that, amoung other rights.. Like I said, I know they have a job to do, and I agree that it
needs to be done... BUT this is America, the land of the Free.. (or have they changed it already)??
All I am saying is as an american citizen, producing an American Passport, I should not be hassled.. I am not carrying anything buy a small sachel
that basicly only carries my passport, so I am not possibly smuggling anything.. .. Its really none of the governemnts business where I go, and why
I do it.. I am Free...
And Yes, the Philiipine ones I have noticed are mean (not all of them.. but in general)
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8964
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
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Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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I doubt much will change until the drug problem eases and everyone gets a cushy job in Northern Mexico. But until then, expect to be hassled at the
border.
I just accept this as a fact of life. If I want to visit Latin America, I will get hassled upon return. Weighing my options, I still prefer going
south of the border than remaining the Alta California, when it comes to vacation time. Camping here in the US on the beach just isn't the same.
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bajabound2005
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2762
Registered: 10-15-2005
Location: Punta Banda, BCN
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Mood: words cannot describe...
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We cross about once a month via the SENTRI lane and the only question we get is "are you bringing back anything?".
Friends don't let friends drink white zinfandel.
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geobas
Banned
Posts: 27
Registered: 9-1-2002
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Ken Cooke
I still prefer going south of the border than remaining the Alta California, when it comes to vacation time. Camping here in the US on the beach just
isn't the same. |
You're absolutely right, Ken. Here in California you can legally have your gun with you at your campsite. It's in the law, a campsite is the same as
your residence.
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gnukid
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4411
Registered: 7-2-2006
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I have found they might try, but they have little luck hassling you if you don't let them bug you.
I think as a general rule we can assume they are conditioned to not understand why we would want to go to Mexico for fun or for long periods of time,
so they are likely to be suspicious or prejudiced against non-hispanics who cross for fun.
No matter what, just keep your responses formal, direct and polite and do not engage their aggressions and they will quickly become tired of your
positive vibe. Besides they can really do nothing but let you pass or take your fresh oranges you forget to eat.
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MexicoGringoGuy
Nomad
Posts: 159
Registered: 6-20-2008
Location: Tijuana, Centro/Rio
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I got into it about a month ago with a really rude one that wanted to know where I was going and I made a mistake of asking WHY, , I told him I was
going to my country why do you need to know where? Well that got me into secondary, and finally I got a superivosr who was a snotty little prick that
told me that he and his agents had about 3 times the power of SD police, and me and my belongings belonged to him untill I was cleared to enter the
US.. He was amazingly rude, BUT he knew he could be.. there is No repurusion, and he knows it.. you can comlain till the cows come home, but
nothing is going to change if things stay the same.. He actually said things Llike "well i know in the Liberal college that you flunlked out of
they may have thought different", and to that I proudly responded, that Vanderbilt Univeristy is a Southern Ivy league conservative college, and I
Graduated with honors.... He smerked, and I pulle dout my pocket diploma, and he said i needed to leave... (he shut up)
Anyway... Just frustrated... Because Although I agree with gnukid.. one should not engage them, and I agree that they are programed to be
suspicious, because why would anyone want to go the mexico.. But its a matter of principal.. Public Servents are no longer servants.. they are
Rulers!!!
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8964
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
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Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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All you can do is just deal with the questioning or stop leaving the country.
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MexicoGringoGuy
Nomad
Posts: 159
Registered: 6-20-2008
Location: Tijuana, Centro/Rio
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I agree with you that complaining ,and making your voice heard helps in most cases... BUT in the matter of Dept. of Homeland Security.. I have to
say .. in this currdct atmosphere, it seems pointless to complain..
I have in the past brought in Legislators... Mayors, and even the TV News in situations... I am a loud mouth, and am known fo it.. I guess, because
of the way things are I feel it would be a waste of time... Maybe wrong... But just the way it seems right now...
So anyway, people seem to like things very organized here on this board, and are probably having a cow that we are having this conversation.. SO I
will drop it..
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MexicoGringoGuy
Nomad
Posts: 159
Registered: 6-20-2008
Location: Tijuana, Centro/Rio
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not you... I meant others will start complaining...
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tjBill
Senior Nomad
Posts: 516
Registered: 10-6-2007
Location: Tijuana
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I hate dealing with CBP agents 
Most of them are tough but professional...but still they cause me to break out in a cold sweat. And I have crossed over 500 times.
I have traveled a lot. Other countries have nice customers/immigration officers.
[Edited on 10-28-2008 by tjBill]
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HCR
Junior Nomad
Posts: 47
Registered: 3-23-2008
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My impression over the years is that I often arrived at the border tired from a long drive and impatient after waiting in a traffic line for a long
time. My point is that my attitude often was in need of adjustment and I was more than ready to be disagreeable with anyone who treated me with
suspicion when I was merely returning to my own country.
Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without.
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Russ
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
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I've had to cross 6 or 7 times this year and I am one of the fortunate ones. I say good afternoon to them and usually get at least a smirk before they
ask a few questions and and send me away. I use to get a really bad attitude waiting in the line but some how now I just except it as part of the
drive. I think they must see an attitude after thousands of faces every day they're probably pretty good at it. If I had to cross on a regular basis
even the "nice" ones would anger me. They have a lousy job and my belief is that lousy jobs generally get lousy employees. And then you give them
power and you get.... a boarder crossing guard with an attitude.
I don't think this is a political issue. Those who cross infrequently should now what to expect and maybe they too can adjust their attitude while
crossing.
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mtgoat666
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 20004
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by MexicoGringoGuy
Not sure if anyone else has notices that it seems the officers at the border are getting more and more rude, |
Law enforcement attracts a certain type of person that sees the world in B&W and is more atuned to law & order than civil rights,... and the
job of booth attendant is really sh*tty, dealing with frustrated people who have waited in line a long time, sucking on exhaust and noise all day
long,... I'm surprised they last more than a few months on the job.
p.s. don't mouth off to the immigration guys, they can flag your passport and you'll get hassled for the next 30 years
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