‘Isolated event’: US ambassador dismisses Canadian travel warning, denies widespread phone searches at border
[ad_1] US ambassador Pete Hoekstra (Image credits: AP) The American ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra defended US border practices, rejecting Ottawa’s recent travel warning that advised Canadians to prepare for possible phone searches and detentions when entering the United States.Hoekstra told The Canadian Press that while some Canadians may have had negative experiences, these are isolated incidents and not reflective of broader US policy.“If a Canadian has had a disappointing experience coming into the United States, I’m not denying that it happened, but I’m saying it’s an isolated event and it is not a pattern, ”Hoekstra said. “Searching devices and all of that is not a well-founded fear. We don’t do that. America is a welcoming place.”In April, the Canadian government updated its travel advisory, warning citizens about potential scrutiny at US ports of entry, including searches of electronic devices. […]
