‘I can’t remember anything quite that extreme," says former official to WSJ.

The aggressive and inhumane tactics used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection have gone too far. Immigrants, tourists, and even U.S. green card holders are being detained excessively, subjected to degrading treatment, and unfairly interrogated.

Lucas Sielaff, a German national, was shackled, chained, and denied translators or legal representation during a routine travel check.

Fabian Schmidt, a green card holder, was strip-searched, placed in a cold shower, and hospitalized from the trauma.

These are not isolated incidents—they reveal a disturbing pattern of cruelty and hostility. 

Such tactics violate basic human rights and betray American values. Travelers with minor visa issues should not be treated like criminals. Detaining, shackling, and degrading people for paperwork concerns is extreme and unjustifiable. This approach has created fear among international students, workers, and visitors.

We are better than this. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard of compassion and justice.

We call on the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection to end these abusive practices now. Reasonable questioning and lawful enforcement should never include cruelty or humiliation. Border officers need better training to ensure fair and humane treatment of all travelers. Sign now to tell our government no one should have to endure fear, degradation, or trauma for simply trying to cross the border.

Photo: Army Staff Sgt. Keaton Habeck