San Diego Judge Rules CBP Wrongfully Imprisoned 9-Year-Old U.S. Citizen

A judge in San Diego decided that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) wrongfully imprisoned a 9-year-old girl and her 14-year-old brother at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The judge, Gonzalo Curiel, awarded the family over $1.5 million because the CBP officers violated their rights.

The incident happened in 2019 when Julia, a 9-year-old U.S. citizen, and her brother Oscar were trying to cross the border to go to school. The officers mistakenly thought Julia was her Mexican cousin using Julia's passport to enter the U.S. This led to Julia being detained for 34 hours and Oscar for 14 hours.

The judge ruled that the CBP officers' actions were extreme and caused emotional distress to the children and their family. Julia was awarded $1.1 million, her mother $250,000, and Oscar $175,000. The judge criticized the CBP for not properly investigating the situation and for the way they treated the children during their detention.

This case shows that even large organizations like CBP can make mistakes, and it is important to seek help if you believe your rights have been violated. At Petition Guy, we specialize in helping people navigate these complex situations to ensure justice is served.

San Diego judge rules CBP falsely imprisoned 9-year-old U.S. citizen at border

U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel awarded the family $1.5 million, ruling Customs and Border Protection violated the rights of the girl and her 14-year-old brother

By ALEX RIGGINS | alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com | The San Diego Union-Tribune

PUBLISHED: June 24, 2024 at 5:03 p.m. | UPDATED: June 24, 2024 at 11:55 p.m.