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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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An American citizen from New Hampshire who voted for President Donald Trump "almost died" in the custody of border agents, his attorney told Newsweek.
Real estate attorney Bachir Atallah and his wife, Jessica Fakhri, were returning from a family trip to Canada when they were stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Vermont on Sunday.
Atallah has been a U.S. citizen for 10 years.
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Celine Atallah, his attorney and sister, told Newsweek in a statement: "The truth is written in CBP's own EMS report—it shows my brother was at risk of a stroke and heart failure due to the trauma they inflicted. My brother almost died."
CBP Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham told Newsweek the accusations are blatantly false and sensationalized.
But Celine Atallah added: "There is nothing exaggerated about a documented medical emergency. That's not drama. That's abuse—and it happened on their watch."
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Why It Matters
Federal immigration authorities have been given expanded authority to carry out President Donald Trump's plans for mass removals—a signature campaign pledge that continues to draw strong support from his Republican base.
While Trump has maintained that enforcement efforts will primarily target individuals with criminal records, recent incidents have sparked concern, with some reports indicating that people with legal status and no criminal convictions have been detained and even deported.
Despite the administration's apparent focus on serious offenders, green card holders, legal permanent residents, and even U.S. citizens are getting caught up in the president's hard-line crackdown.
What to Know
Bachir Atallah said he became distressed during his routine trip when he was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He claims an officer ordered him out of his vehicle and reached for his gun, prompting Atallah to comply immediately.
Celine Atallah said: "He was surrounded by more than five CBP officers with their hands on their pistols—to the point where he had to say, 'Keep your gun at your waist.' He was pushed to the brink of a medical emergency and stripped of his legal protections. This is not 'routine' or 'lawful,' as they claimed in their statement."
"CBP wants to frame this as routine. But handcuffing a U.S. citizen without cause, surrounding him with armed officers, denying him counsel, and coercing a waiver of constitutional rights is not routine. It is unlawful. It is abusive. It is un-American," she said.
CBP agents allegedly twisted his arm and wrist before he was handcuffed and taken inside as his wife watched from the car.
Bachir Atallah says he was given no clear reason for the detention. While in custody, he began feeling unwell, and an EMS report noted high blood pressure. He declined further treatment after learning he'd be guarded at the hospital and then returned for more questioning.
He also alleges agents pressured him into granting access to his email, despite citing attorney-client privilege.
"Even at the border, constitutional rights do not disappear. The government cannot subject Americans to fear, humiliation, and medical danger—then hide behind the word "routine," Celina Atallah said.
After nearly five hours and intervention from his sister, an immigration attorney, Atallah and his wife were released. The family is now pursuing legal action.
Despite their differing political views, Celine highlighted the importance of respect, justice, and due process regardless of political agenda and identity.
"My brother voted for President Trump. What he and his wife regret is the trauma they endured on U.S. soil—both handcuffed without cause, separated, humiliated, and treated like threats instead of citizens."
"I'm a Democrat. He's a Republican. Our political views might differ, but we are united in one belief: no American should ever be treated this way. Not for how they look. Not for how they vote. Not for simply trying to return home,"
After CBP officials told Newsweek the allegations were "blatantly false and sensationalized, Celine responded: "How dare they call that sensationalized?"
What People Are Saying
Celine Atallah told Newsweek: "CBP gave us no answers. No reason. No explanation. Instead, they issued a public statement calling this a "routine inspection" and dismissed my brother's account as "false and sensationalized."
"The fact that they continue to downplay it is not just dishonest—it's disgraceful.
"He was handcuffed without justification, separated from his wife, locked in a freezing cell for over five hours, denied legal counsel, and under duress, had to grant CBP access to his privileged attorney-client communications."
"We've seen people say my brother "deserved" what happened to him—simply because of who he voted for. That's not just cruel. That's a direct threat to what it means to be American. In this country, your rights don't come with a party label—they come with a Constitution. And the moment we start deciding who "deserves" dignity based on politics, we all lose.
"This is not just about my brother. This is a warning to every American. If a law-abiding citizen can face this for simply coming home, then no one is safe."
CBP Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham told Newsweek: "The traveler's accusations are blatantly false and sensationalized. CBP officers acted in accordance with established protocols. Upon arrival at the port of entry, the traveler was appropriately referred to secondary inspection—a routine, lawful process that occurs daily, and can apply for any traveler. Officers worked to ensure an attorney-client privilege was respected during the electronic media search. The traveler provided written consent to a limited search of his electronic device."
Bachir Atallah said: "I really thought things would change after this administration, when we have Mr. Trump in office, things would change to the better. Things actually changed to the worse."
What Happens Next
The family will be pursuing legal action against CBP following the alleged incident.
Celine said, "We will not stay silent, because this could happen to any one of us. And if we don't draw the line here—Democrats, Republicans, all of us—then the question becomes: who's next?"
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