Brazilian Model Detained and Deported from U.S., Claims “Humiliating” Treatment
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Francielly Ouriques, a Brazilian model and former beauty queen, experienced a harrowing ordeal after being detained and deported from the United States. Authorities deemed her a “threat to national security,” leading to her expulsion. The incident unfolded on April 10th at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, where she was connecting to California to attend the Coachella festival.
Ouriques took to social media to share her experience, detailing her encounter with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. She was taken to a separate room for a secondary inspection and subjected to hours of questioning.According to Ouriques, one reason given for her deportation was that she was carrying a suitcase belonging to a friend.
A search of her luggage revealed four Tramal pills, a strong painkiller banned in the U.S. “I didn’t know. If I had known, I would never have carried it in my bag,” she stated.
Further complicating matters, agents scrutinized her phone and discovered messages that suggested she “could be working illegally in the country.” Conversations with a company regarding her visa status further fueled their suspicions.
“Thay claimed that I was suspected of working illegally in the United States and that I constituted a threat to the country,” Ouriques explained.
After a five-hour wait, she was informed that her visa would be revoked. Ouriques was then confined to a small, cold cell with minimal amenities for 15 hours. “They treated me like a bandit, a total humiliation,” she recounted. She was given only a bottle of water and a box of food.
Afterward, she was transported by CBP to the United Airlines terminal to board her flight back to Brazil. Her passport was not returned until she landed. Following the incident, she sought legal assistance from the Brazilian Federal Police, but they stated they could not intervene.
“So, as by law we have no voice, I felt entirely unprotected, vulnerable, very scared, and now totally traumatized,” she declared.
ouriques shared her story as a warning to others. “I decided to share this here so that you are also careful when going to this country, and if you can, don’t even go,” she cautioned. She is currently unsure if she will attempt to travel to the United States again.
Speaking with the Daily Mail, a Customs and Border Protection spokesperson stated that Ouriques was denied entry as her statements during the interview did not align with the stated purpose of her trip.
Alt: Francielly Ouriques speaking about her experience. Consider including an image of Francielly Ouriques or a relevant infographic about visa regulations.
On social media, some users pointed out that the model had previously celebrated Donald Trump’s return, leading to sarcastic comments.
“But didn’t you celebrate Trump’s victory, woman?” one user wrote.
FAQ: Traveling to the U.S. – What You Need to Know
What items are prohibited from being brought into the united States?
Prohibited items can include certain medications,illegal substances,and specific types of food. It’s crucial to check the CBP website for a complete list before traveling.
can CBP agents search my phone at the border?
Yes, CBP agents have the authority to search electronic devices, including phones and laptops, at the border without a warrant, based on reasonable suspicion.
What happens if I am denied entry to the united States?
If you are denied entry, you will typically be detained and sent back to your country of origin. You may also face restrictions on future travel to the U.S.
Pros and Cons of Traveling to the United States
Pros:
- Diverse Experiences: The U.S. offers a wide range of cultural, natural, and urban experiences.
- Economic opportunities: It’s a hub for business and innovation, attracting professionals worldwide.
- World-Class Education: The U.S. boasts some of the best universities and educational institutions globally.
Cons:
- Strict Immigration Policies: Navigating U.S. immigration laws can be complex and challenging.
- High Cost of Living: Major cities can be expensive, impacting travel and living expenses.
- Potential for Scrutiny at Entry Points: Travelers may face intense questioning and searches by CBP officials.
Expert Quote: “Travelers should always be prepared to answer questions honestly and provide documentation to support the purpose of their visit,” says immigration lawyer Sarah Jones. “Misunderstandings can often be resolved with clear communication.”
The recent detention and deportation of Brazilian model Francielly Ouriques from the United States has sparked discussions about U.S. immigration policies and traveller rights. Time.news spoke with immigration law expert, Richard thompson, to gain insights into the situation and offer advice to those planning to visit the U.S.
Time.news: Richard, thank you for joining us. The case of Francielly Ouriques is generating a lot of conversation. Coudl you give us a brief overview of what happened?
Richard Thompson: Certainly. Francielly Ouriques, a Brazilian model, was detained at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport while en route to Coachella. She was later deported, with authorities citing concerns that her statements didn’t align with the purpose of her trip, suspicion of intending to work illegally, and the presence of a banned substance, Tramal, in her luggage.
Time.news: One of the concerning aspects of this case is the claim of “humiliating” treatment, including a lengthy detention and limited access to amenities. Is this a common occurrence?
richard Thompson: While every case is unique, it’s crucial to understand that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has broad authority at ports of entry. Detentions can occur if there are discrepancies in a traveler’s story or if something triggers suspicion. While the conditions Ms. Ouriques described sound difficult, CBP protocol dictates certain procedures when questioning and detaining individuals, as well as safeguarding national security. [[1]] [[2]] [[3]]
Time.news: Ms. Ouriques mentioned that CBP agents searched her phone and found messages that led them to believe she might be seeking illegal employment. Is it permissible for CBP to search electronic devices?
Richard Thompson: Yes, CBP has the authority to search electronic devices, including phones and laptops, at the border without a warrant, based on ‘reasonable suspicion’. This is a important point.Travelers should be aware that their digital data is potentially accessible. It’s wise to only carry data necessary for the trip and be mindful of communications stored on your device.
Time.news: What constitutes “reasonable suspicion” in this context?
Richard Thompson: That’s a gray area, and often a point of contention. it can range from inconsistencies in a traveler’s statements, to information obtained from intelligence sources, or even just the officer’s observation of potentially suspicious behavior. The key thing is that it’s a lower standard than “probable cause,” which is needed for a warrant.
Time.news: The presence of Tramal, a banned painkiller, was another factor in Ms. Ouriques’ deportation. What advice woudl you give to travelers regarding medications?
Richard Thompson: always declare any medications you are carrying. Research U.S. regulations beforehand to ensure your medications are permitted. if a medication is allowed but requires a prescription in the U.S., carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining its purpose. This simple preparation can prevent significant complications. It’s essential to verify that anything you have is not on CBP’s list of prohibited items.
Time.news: Ms. Ouriques also stated that carrying a suitcase for a friend raised suspicion. Is that a legitimate concern for CBP?
Richard Thompson: it certainly can be. CBP is trained to look for anything that deviates from the norm. Carrying items for someone else adds a layer of complexity, as you’re essentially vouching for the contents. Unless you are absolutely certain about what you are carrying, it’s best to avoid this scenario.
Time.news: What recourse does someone have if they feel they’ve been unfairly treated by CBP? Ouriques mentioned seeking help from Brazilian Federal Police who couldn’t intervene.
Richard Thompson: Regrettably,options are limited once you’ve been denied entry. The Brazilian Federal Police would not have jurisdiction. you can file a complaint with CBP,but these processes can be lengthy and may not yield immediate results. Documenting the experience is crucial, including names, badge numbers, and specific details of the interaction.
Time.news: What’s the single most critically important piece of advice you would give to someone planning to travel to the U.S.?
Richard Thompson: Be prepared, be honest, and be respectful. Thorough preparation – understanding visa requirements, knowing what you can and cannot bring, and having documentation to support your stated purpose of travel – is crucial. Answer questions truthfully and avoid any ambiguity. Even innocent discrepancies can raise red flags. Maintaining a polite and respectful demeanor, even in a stressful situation, can also make a difference. Remember, CBP officers are doing their job, and cooperation can often lead to a smoother process.
