'Random' customs screening at Port Everglades

Anyone have the experience of being pulled aside when leaving the ship, and told they had been selected for a "random" customs screening where you have to fill out the old paper form, and then are escorted to a special room in the customs hall for questioning by a customs agent? This process (which ultimately was no big deal) nevertheless did not strike us as "random."

I have encountered such random screenings when entering the US at airports (used to fly internationally a lot so the odds of hitting one was much higher). Have not encountered them on cruise ships, but having them would be consistent.

What makes you think that it was not random?

On one occasion it happened to us at LRD, December 2016, the migration lady said you are lucky you have been selected for a second review, if you do not bring anything do not worry it's just a formality. The first thing they do is pick up your passport and escort you to a separate area where they check everything, pants bags, shirts, your wallet, etc. I was short for the dogs to smell me. At the end they thank you for having cooperated and they return your passport. These types of personal revisions are becoming more frequent.

On another occasion I moved my savings in dollars from one bank to another in McAllen, Tx. When I was crossing the border back to Mexico, the FBI and the Texas Ranges were waiting for me, when they saw my car they stopped me and they questioned me if I brought more than $ 10K or something to declare I said no, and they went to check all until they found the deposit slip and they asked me for the money. I just told them that I had changed the bank and they said thank you and you can go. I think that on this occasion those from the Bank that started with Ch we were not pleased to take my money and falsely accused me.

I think that the more times you cross the border, the more likely it is that you will ever touch a second revision, but if you have nothing to hide, you have not committed any crime and you have a clear conscience you do not have to worry about. These are formalities and you have to cooperate they are just doing their job.

Referral to secondary isn't uncommon, although perhaps less so with cruise ports than airports. As was asked previously, what makes you think that this wasn't a random selection?

We got lucky with one of those random checks at Heathrow when we were traveling with the two kids. They chose us for the check and wife had a vase or something she packed carefully. They made her take apart the packing which was a pain in the butt. One of the British Air ticket agents felt sorry for us and moved all four of us from coach to Business class. We enjoyed our upgraded steaks.

I hit the "random" lotto at the port of los angeles after a cruise. Also got it in Montreal Airport when flying back from Barcelona to the US. They always pick me even though my wife looks far more like she could be on the no fly list;p

I hit the "random" lotto at the port of los angeles after a cruise. Also got it in Montreal Airport when flying back from Barcelona to the US. They always pick me even though my wife looks far more like she could be on the no fly list;p

Your wife looks shady? LOL :')

My husband always gets special treatment at the airports. The guy is too chicken to ever try anything illegal, but he looks like trouble to TSA, I guess. Once, I had won some money in the ship casino on the last night. They paid me off in nice new $100 bills. I gave them to my husband to carry in his wallet. He carries 2 wallets, one with money another decoy wallet. Sure enough, they pulled him out of the line in FLL and questioned him about his 2 wallets. Good thing he had the casino receipt.

For some reason, he went through the airports and ports the last time without drawing attention.

Yep, we have had “random” screenings and we are Caucasian grandparents so not at all suspicious.

Random means random, but I suppose the previous poster who had a large bank transaction sounds a LOT like he was reported......

I got Global Entry so I would have TSA PreCheck for domestic flights and also be able to skip the long customs line when arriving back from any international trips. The first time I used my status on a return trip from Paris, I was pulled from the Global Entry line for a secondary screening. It was very disappointing, to say the least. It was still faster than the regular line, so there's that.

Yep, we have had “random” screenings and we are Caucasian grandparents so not at all suspicious..

So if one is Caucasian they aren't suspicious?:rolleyes:

I got Global Entry so I would have TSA PreCheck for domestic flights and also be able to skip the long customs line when arriving back from any international trips. The first time I used my status on a return trip from Paris, I was pulled from the Global Entry line for a secondary screening. It was very disappointing, to say the least. It was still faster than the regular line, so there's that.

All of the expedited entry programs make it very clear that you aren't exempted from referral to secondary. So far I've not had a referral, but I have such an honest face. :halo:

We got lucky with one of those random checks at Heathrow when we were traveling with the two kids. They chose us for the check and wife had a vase or something she packed carefully. They made her take apart the packing which was a pain in the butt. One of the British Air ticket agents felt sorry for us and moved all four of us from coach to Business class. We enjoyed our upgraded steaks.

The vase could have been the trigger. If it was crystal it draws attention a it will appear black on screening.. The lead in the crystal causes it . Been there done that and it was explained to us at screening

The vase could have been the trigger. If it was crystal it draws attention a it will appear black on screening.. The lead in the crystal causes it . Been there done that and it was explained to us at screening

No one explained it to us but it was a pain in the butt because the wife was really anal about packing it so it didn't get broken.

So if one is Caucasian they aren't suspicious?:rolleyes:

I just wanted to specify our race because sometimes it is an issue if only “certain”races or ethnicity get pulled out of the line.

Yes, it's happened to me and its random. I also have Global Entry, have an expedited loyalty status and am an old lady. I'm glad they check all kinds of people.:):)

So if one is Caucasian they aren't suspicious?:rolleyes:

Fortunately, we have never been stopped, we do have Global Entry so that may make a difference also.

Bon voyage

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I live in Phoenix, AZ, and have the TSA pre-check program for about 2 years. I've been selected for a secondary review on 2 instances already (only here in Phoenix, not anywhere else). I was told it was a "random" one....every "x" number of passengers is selected. One time I waited 10 minutes just for the extra TSA agent to check me. I realize that pre-check does not exempt you from secondary checks. I just smile and cooperate, since I never have anything to hide... Sounds like this happens in ports too.

LOL, that made me think too, but my politeness got the best of me!

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Pretty funny stuff, especially since all us white folks look the same, how could they possibly pick out the suspicious ones.;p My wife gets felt up every time she goes thru TSA, but not because she's 7 shades darker than me, her insulin pump seems to look suspiciously like and explosive device. They pat her down, swab her pump for explosive residue etc. We are used to it now but it's still a little irritating.

Pretty funny stuff, especially since all us white folks look the same, how could they possibly pick out the suspicious ones.;p My wife gets felt up every time she goes thru TSA, but not because she's 7 shades darker than me, her insulin pump seems to look suspiciously like and explosive device. They pat her down, swab her pump for explosive residue etc. We are used to it now but it's still a little irritating.

t - I fully understand, no issues here for sure! medical devices made to be worn can cause a special challenge for TSA for sure...

Sorry she has to use a pump... hopefully she can dispense with it soon.

bon voayge

I don't see how a cruise terminal selection could be anything but random.

They have no idea who you are when you are passing through the building.

So if one is Caucasian they aren't suspicious?:rolleyes:

Seems there are more "random" secondary screenings in the US than anywhere else we've travelled because the US is so politically correct that they refuse to "profile". In an effort not to be accused of profiling, they pull in little old Caucasian ladies for secondary screenings so that their secondary screening numbers are balanced and reflect those of the general population. Thus, the "usual suspects" get a pass.

Crooks and terrorists must love the wave of political correctness.

I don't see how a cruise terminal selection could be anything but random.

 

They have no idea who you are when you are passing through the building.

Not entirely true, there could be intelligence info passed on about behviour and suspicions before arrival which could trigger a 'random' search.

bon voyage

Got pulled out for screening at Miami. WE were with a large group but the bus waited for us. Customs wouldn't let us use our cell phones. bummer.

WE were also lucky at Barcelona. Seems at least 10 percent of passengers had to go through extensive screening.

Got pulled out for screening at Miami. WE were with a large group but the bus waited for us. Customs wouldn't let us use our cell phones. bummer.

WE were also lucky at Barcelona. Seems at least 10 percent of passengers had to go through extensive screening.

Hey Larry and Barbara, This is Larry aka (SOFTAIL) I see you are on the roll call for the Solstice Hawaii on 4-30-18. Are you still taking this cruise? We are on it and would love to see you. Larry

Yes, I have been pulled out at random at the Ft Lauderdale or Miami cruise terminal. Can't remember which because it was no big deal. Took me and my luggage to a separate room. All they wanted was to see the carry one suitcase. Literally opened it and shut it. Never lifted/touched a thing. Really did feel random, like just going through the motion as they weren't questioning me about a thing. Told me going into the room would just take a minute and they were right. A minute out of the way. No big deal and I wasn't offended. They are just doing their job. (I think........they didn't look for anything!) Of course, I didn't fit any profile.......aging grandma that doesn't walk well....!!!!