Disturbing Question

[StrutStopper]

I was at work earlier today, and a friend stopped to tell me about his experience re-entering the country from Canada. I didn't ask if it was a business or personal trip, it shouldn't matter. He flew into New York, and the Boarder Patrol agent (or whatever agency it is that screens people entering the country) asked him if he had any weapons. My friend said no. The next question was "Do you have a concealed carry permit?" My friend was shocked, and said no. In fact, he does not have a permit. He did mention to me that he probably would have said no anyway. He said that he has never been asked that question before in that situation.

Is this something that is typically asked of US citizens re-entering the country by federal agents?? I find it pretty disturbing. If I was asked the same question, I'd want to tell the agent it's none of his business. Or should I lie and say no? I don't think it's legal of them to ask, and if I lied I wouldn't think I would be breaking any laws. It's NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS. Of course, if they went through my wallet (weather or not that's legal I don't know) they would know I was lying. What could they do??? The fact that people are being put in this position disturbs me. Just looking for THR members' experiences and thoughts on the subject.

 

[MachIVshooter]

The weapons question is standard. The CCW query, though, makes absolutely no sense. If he had no weapon, being permitted to carry one is irrelevant. It's like asking about a prescription for drugs you don't possess.

 

[Captcurt]

Personally, I don't don't think it is any of their business either, but here in Arkansas if you are stopped and asked for ID you are supposed to show your CC permit also. Whither you are carrying or not.

 

[Rock185]

We came back from Europe a few weeks ago. We were asked if we had anything to declare, etc, but nothing about weapons or CCW permit....

 

[acdodd]

He flew into New York

There was his first problem.
If he would have had a CCW then they can inspect his luggage looking for a spent casing.
Then arrest him and collect a bunch of his cash.

 

[Ryanxia]

I've heard of someone going INTO Canada and upon the border patrol seeing his CCW got very weird (guess they don't like handguns in CAN). Kind of a strange question to ask someone who was flying back from Canada since you couldn't have brought your CCW with you anyways.

 

[BSA1]

Fishing.

The agent was fishing.

Most people don't realize that innocent sounding questions Custom Agents ask really are intended to find out if the person really traveled to the foreign country and did what they said they did, for example visiting Paris while in France while claiming to be on vacation.

Me? I would have answered yes, started talking about some of my guns and asked him about what guns he owns but I have a mean streak about getting strange reactions from folks, especially Government types.

 

[Archie]

Not Border Patrol

The Agency who checks passports, people and bags when entering the U. S. is now - as of 01 Mar 2003 - called "Customs and Border Protection".

I would never ask a question about concealed weapons permits as I find it to be meaningless. However, I have been known to ask questions to see the response. Acdodd may be correct, I never worked in NYC and they have their own little world there.

By the way, U. S. law, confirmed by Supreme Court decision says crossing the border is probable cause for questions and answers as to the intention of travel and business (be it monkey or otherwise). Past this, mere suspicion, is required to search bags. Like it or not.

No. Canada does not 'like' handguns; about as psychotic about it as NYC.

 

[GRIZ22]

If you lied you could be charged with 18 USC 1001, False Statement. The CBP officer's job is to fish, establish your credibility and ascertain if you warrant a secondary inspection. CBP has no interest in enforcing NY State Laws.

If you refuse to answer questions they would be within their authority to conduct a secondary exam. People bitch, moan, and complain about border security and then do the same when a border official is doing their job.

 

[jr_watkins]

I don't think there is anything to be concerned about. Asking about guns and CC permits are reasonable questions, especially when entering a non gun friendly location.

I travel to Canada a lot. As soon as they ask where I am from, Texas, the very next question is "do you own any firearms?". I always answer the same way, "yeah, loads of 'em". Often they follow up with, "but none are hand guns right?" of which I reply, "most of 'em!". The Canooks are usually flabbergasted and then I go into how cool guns are and how much I really like to shoot they always look a little jealous. Basically they just want to make sure you aren't bringing the evil mechanical objects into their country.

I suspect it is the same for NYC.

If anything, I say be proud of what we own and if we have CC permit or not. Don't hide it like we are doing something wrong.

 

[Willie Sutton]

My standard answer to the US CBP is: "I'm a US Citizen with the right of return to the United States. May I proceed?"

I've never been selected for secondary inspection.


Willie

.

 

[Reloadron]

Formerly the agency was just U.S. Customs but now goes by the name U.S. Customs and Border Protection or simply CBP. They can ask just about anything they please on reentry into the US. They can also act on behalf of other agencies (take agencies for what it's worth). Generally I have always just been asked if I had anything to declare but you also fill out a form prior to reentry into the U.S. I have never been asked anything gun related. However, it's been years since I entered through NY. My best guess, the line of questioning was for another agency as I can't see where CBP would care about a CCW license.

Ron

 

[bangswitch]

I would have answered his question with a question of my own; "why do you need to know that?"

My only guess is that it gives them some justification to search you and your baggage, even though no justification is necessary at an international border crossing, or its equivalent, an airport that has international arrivals.

I like Willie Sutton's reply also. I'll have to use that next time.

 

[WestKentucky]

I recently went across the bridge from Detroit to Windsor. On the way back the border guard asked where I was from and what business I had going to canada, how long I had been gone etc. He then asked if I had a concealed carry permit to which I replied "of course, everybody should these days". That was met by a chuckle and the guard said "I'm no cowboy but if things don't change I might have to become one". He then asked what I carry to which I replied that it's normally a 357mag or 9mm depending on what I'm wearing. He asked if I hunt and I said yes, deer, turkey, squirrel, dove, rabbit, and coyote. The last question was priceless. He leaned down to the window squinting and looking puzzled, then said "dude please tell me you don't eat coyotes. I'm fine with the rest but coyotes, nah man I would pass" I smiled and said HE'LL no. Then he said "have a nice day, happy hunting cowboy!" It was one of my best customs stops if not the best.

 

[Claymore1500]

Just quote, comedian, Steven Wright.

When they ask "do you have any firearms?" Just say, "Waddya need?"

 

[oldcelt]

I would not answer yes or no to that question but I would ask why he needs to know.

 

[JTHunter]

Oldcelt - Agreed!
If they pressed the issue, I would be inclined to reply - "NOYDB!"
That being said, it's unlikely as I refuse to be groped or "lit up" by these baboons.

 

[armedaccountant]

I flew back into the U.S. from Israel a year ago. Flew into NY and wasn't asked anything of the sort.

 

[tarosean]

I fly in and out of the country every month, obviously I get to talk to these guys routinely.. Never been asked about guns, my CHL, etc..

 

[Blueduck]

It does remind me of the time I was stopped by a Highway Patrolman I knew a knew a bit from work. He did not recognize me wearing sunglasses being substantially dressed down from what he was used to, wearing ball cap, and driving an old truck I rarely used.

He asked for my Drivers license and insurance card, and before looking at them asked if I had any weapons in the vehicle? I responded simply and truthfully "More than you do.". The expression on his face was priceless till he figured out who I was seconds later.

 

[DeepSouth]

I almost always answer such questions with a question of my own.... Why does that matter......And do I need a lawyer?

I started using that in a honest effort to mildly irritate them and not answer their question. Normally it's just some form of "you may proceed" and they seem to care less about my question.
I dated a girl years ago who's brother was studying to a defence attory and I know they get real bad rap but when get to talking to them you can get a real education, along with a healthy respect for them. They are in many ways the preservers of freedom.

 

[marv]

I would truthfully answer 'no' to the permit question, I have a 'License to Carry Handgun'.

 

[suemarkp]

Why all the fear about a simple question? A CWP is a government document. CBP can probably find out if you have one if they know who you are. I think the cops in my state know if I have one once they run your name.

Seems like it is just one of those truth finding questions. I wouldn't be an ass or give them a bunch of grief. Put us CWP people in a good light. People who have one tend to be more law abiding than the average joe.

 

[Sunray]

"...The Canooks are usually flabbergasted..." That's because our Customs types are mostly housewives doing a civil service job and have never seen a firearm. Despite their union having decided they should be armed. Last I heard, a lot of 'em are failing the training. On the other side, they do see a fair number of Americans who think there us no border and think their CCW permit lets 'em carry anywhere.
Having crossed the border more than once with firearms(and without), it all depends on the Customs type. Crossed at Port Huron on the way to Second Chance, long ago, female border type thought having a few hundred rounds per firearm for a week's shooting was a lot. Twenty minutes chatting with the guy inside about attending matches.
Same twit, many years later, asked me if I had a FAST card(truck driver border speed up thing). No, says me. Didn't but had applied for it. Spent two hours at the border when she could have asked if I had applied for one. The thing came via mail a week later. Stupid civil servants are everywhere.

 

[chicharrones]

Fishing.

The agent was fishing.

The CBP officer's job is to fish, establish your credibility and ascertain if you warrant a secondary inspection.

That's my understanding as well.

I have a friend in the C&BP from a connection from our daughters being in school together.

He has told me of some of his encounters at work at the nearby airport. With his personality, he uses a semi-joking casual conversational type of questioning. Like he's just being friendly, but he is absolutely fishing on the job and it leaks into his every day life as well.