American lawmakers are demanding explanations from the Trump administration after a Canadian man reported being detained for three hours at the U.S. border and forced to provide a DNA sample before being turned away.
Kevin Larson, a 68-year-old retired nuclear power plant employee from near Kincardine, Ontario, says U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers threatened him with prosecution if he refused to comply with their demands during an October 2024 incident at the Blue Water Bridge crossing.
Congressional Democrats Respond
U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat representing areas near Detroit, expressed outrage over Larson's treatment and joined Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin in writing to federal departments seeking answers about the "extraordinary incident."
"This kind of hostile and arbitrary treatment at the border could further damage one of our most important bilateral relationships already battered by President Trump's vilification of the Canadian people and threats to annex their country,"
the lawmakers wrote in their letter to the Homeland Security, State, and Justice departments.
Routine Border Crossing Turns Problematic
Larson, a health physicist who has crossed the border numerous times for family visits and work training, attempted to enter the United States on October 18, 2024, to attend a "No Kings" rally in Port Huron, Michigan.
"I have been very concerned with the Trump administration calling us the 51st state," Larson explained. "We have been allies for generations and friends, and he's just throwing it out the window."
The Ontario resident brought a Canadian flag, printed directions to the rally, and a change of clothes, anticipating potential travel complications but not expecting the treatment he received.
Extensive Search and Detention
After explaining his purpose for visiting, Larson was directed to secondary inspection where officers required him to sign a form pledging not to provide "material support or resources" to foreign terrorist organizations, including drug cartels.
Border officials then conducted an extensive search of his phone and vehicle, took fingerprints and photographs, and ultimately denied his entry into the United States after the three-hour ordeal.
Growing Concerns Over Border Treatment
The incident highlights mounting concerns among Canadians about potential mistreatment by U.S. border authorities, with some limiting or avoiding American travel entirely.
Representative Dingell learned of Larson's experience through a Substack journalist and connected directly with the Canadian to understand the details of his detention.
Following publication of initial reports, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson stated that the Canadian citizen was "deemed inadmissible and allowed to withdraw his application for admission." The agency claimed the DNA sample was collected "in accordance with the law – DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 – due to this immigration violation."
This article is based on reporting by Emma Loop and originally published by CBC World.