Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) made the following statement after an internal memo from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows Iranian-Americans and others were deliberately targeted for detainment at the Blaine Peace Arch crossing in early January.

“I am deeply alarmed that CBP was dishonest regarding the detainment of Americans of Iranian, Lebanese, and Palestinian descent. This memo shows the CBP’s initial story, that the detainments were caused by staffing issues, to be a falsehood. The memo clearly outlines directions which were given to CBP authorities about whom to target.

“There is no excuse for this behavior and lack of transparency. I’ll continue to demand an explanation for why these discriminatory acts were directed by CBP. I’m committed to ensuring proper border procedures are followed and civil rights are respected.”