Pedro López, a Cuban-American who experienced a frightening ordeal earlier this week after being rigorously questioned at Miami Airport upon returning from a trip to Cancún, has made a firm decision regarding his future travels. Despite being a U.S. citizen for many years, López suspects that his numerous tattoos drew the attention of Immigration officers.
"I'll try to cover my tattoos more, maybe wear long-sleeve shirts," he recently told Univision while recounting details of the incident. "You're afraid to show them, just in case they mistake you for some gang they're tracking," he added, referring to his tattoos.
Reflecting on the incident, López expressed the fear he felt during the intense interrogation. "They asked me to retrieve my luggage. Then they took me to a small room, moved me to another floor, and questioned me about whether I'd been to Syria or traveled to the Middle East," he recounted.
"They had me fill out a detailed form with names, my family members in the U.S., and whether I belong to any communist party or affiliate," added López, who was returning from his Mexican vacation with his wife, a U.S. resident, and his daughter, a U.S. citizen.
Pedro López emphasized that he has never had legal troubles and never imagined facing such scrutiny upon returning home, something he had previously mentioned in a video on his TikTok profile. "I've never had an issue with the law. In fact, I own two companies in the United States, which have been established for many years," López stressed, noting that the ordeal lasted about 45 minutes.
"Be careful, if you don't have to travel, don't do it," Pedro López had previously warned.
Understanding CBP's Authority
Can CBP act this way? Absolutely. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency explains on its website: "Unfortunately, CBP officers may inconvenience law-abiding citizens to identify those involved in illicit activities."
“Speaking with travelers and closely examining their documentation are some ways we identify travelers with ill intentions or incorrect documentation,” they warn.
Immigration attorney José Guerrero, consulted by Univision, clarified that American citizens or residents returning to the U.S. might indeed encounter situations like the one described. "They can question this person about the trip and what the person does, to confirm or rule out whether this person is involved in a crime or not," the lawyer said, noting that these questions can be directed at both naturalized citizens and permanent residents.
Common Questions About Increased Immigration Controls at Miami Airport
Why was Pedro López detained at Miami Airport?
Pedro López was detained and questioned due to his numerous tattoos, which may have drawn the attention of Immigration officers, leading to a rigorous interrogation.
What precautions does Pedro López plan for future travels?
Pedro López plans to cover his tattoos more, possibly by wearing long-sleeve shirts, to avoid being mistaken for gang affiliation.
What authority does CBP have at U.S. airports?
CBP has the authority to question travelers and examine their documentation to identify those involved in illicit activities. This process can include detailed questioning and forms.