A federal judge in California recently awarded over $1.1 million to two children who were wrongfully held by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in 2019, despite being U.S. citizens. The siblings, aged 9 and 14 at the time, were detained for hours at the San Ysidro border crossing between Mexico and California.
Judge Gonzalo Curiel ruled that CBP’s actions violated the Fourth Amendment, awarding $1.1 million to the younger sister, $175,000 to the brother, and $250,000 to their mother, Thelma Medina. The family filed a lawsuit in 2022, claiming emotional distress and false imprisonment.
The incident occurred when officers suspected a mole on the sister’s passport, leading to their detention. The judge criticized CBP’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the trauma inflicted on the children and questioning the agency’s conduct.
Medina’s statement expressed gratitude towards Judge Curiel, highlighting the need for accountability and change within CBP. The ruling underscores the importance of protecting individuals’ rights and ensuring fair treatment at U.S. borders.
San Ysidro Port of Entry, the busiest land crossing with Mexico, processes thousands of passengers daily, making it a crucial point of entry between the two countries.
San Ysidro, located in San Diego near Tijuana, represents a significant border area with profound implications for immigration and border security.