Canadian Delta Air Lines Passengers Denied U.S. Entry After Following CBP Instructions
What was supposed to be a routine trip from Toronto to Paris with a one-hour layover at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) turned into a stressful border incident for a Canadian couple.
The couple, who recently became Canadian citizens, said they were denied entry into the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after officers accused them of “circumventing” the inspection process—even though they claim they were following instructions given by another CBP officer.
The travelers shared their experience on Reddit, saying they never received a refusal letter or written explanation for the denial.
Conflicting Instructions Led to Inspection Issues
According to the wife, she completed her Delta Air Lines online check-in, while her husband was instructed to check in at the airport.
She said Delta staff informed them that her husband had been refused entry into the U.S. but did not explain the reason. After speaking with a CBP officer, they were allegedly told that Delta should have checked the husband in so CBP could make a decision.
The couple followed those instructions, and another CBP officer reportedly helped them complete the required paperwork.
However, during secondary inspection, they said a CBP supervisor accused them of bypassing the proper process by appearing for inspection and claimed they had attempted to “circumvent” procedures.
The couple denied the allegation, saying they had simply followed the directions provided by CBP officers.
No Refusal Letter Issued
The travelers said they were asked to sign paperwork and informed they could terminate the inspection if they disagreed with its contents.
They chose to end the inspection because they disputed the accusation but said CBP did not provide any written refusal notice or explanation.
The couple also noted that they were born in a country currently affected by U.S. travel restrictions, although they do not know whether that played any role in the decision.
Delta Reportedly Acknowledged Miscommunication
According to the wife, Delta Air Lines later apologized and admitted that its staff should have contacted CBP before checking her husband in, describing the situation as a significant miscommunication.
The couple said they filed requests through the Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) and the CBP Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process two months ago but have not yet received a response.
They also asked CBP whether additional documents or a waiver would be required for future travel but said they have not received clarification.
Immigration Expert Advises Waiting for Official Records
Ken Scott, Senior U.S. Immigration Law Intelligence Analyst at U.S. Entry Waiver Services, said it is difficult to determine the reason for the refusal without reviewing official CBP records.
He advised travelers in similar situations to wait for DHS TRIP and FOIA responses before attempting to re-enter the United States.
Scott also cautioned against applying for a U.S. entry waiver without first confirming whether any legal ground of inadmissibility actually exists, as doing so unnecessarily could complicate a future case.
Incident Sparks Discussion Among Travelers
The incident generated discussion online, with some users suggesting the issue could involve mistaken identity or other factors unrelated to the couple’s nationality.
The case also reflects growing concerns among some Canadian travelers, who say U.S. border inspections have become more stringent in recent years, leading to uncertainty about cross-border travel.
The Canadian couple’s experience highlights how conflicting instructions and a lack of written explanations can create confusion during U.S. border inspections.
While the exact reason for the denial remains unclear, immigration experts recommend waiting for official DHS TRIP and CBP records before making future travel plans or pursuing a waiver.
