British journalist James Dyer, the editor-in-chief at Empire Magazine says he was stopped at LAX by a Customs and Border Protection agent who accused him of being part of the "fake news media."
“He wanted to know if I’d ever worked for CNN or MSNBC or other outlets that are ‘spreading lies to the American people’,” Dyer tweeted on Thursday. “He aggressively told me that journalists are liars and are attacking their democracy.”
WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGEWow. Just... wow. Just went through LAX immigration. Presented my journalist visa and was stopped by the CBP agent and accused of being part of the ‘fake news media’.
— James Dyer (@jamescdyer)
August 22, 2019 He wanted to know if I’d ever worked for CNN or MSNBC or other outlets that are “spreading lies to the American people.” He aggressively told me that journalists are liars and are attacking their democracy.
— James Dyer (@jamescdyer)
August 22, 2019 Apparently the only truth now comes from YouTube and the president. All this said under a CBP sign that says “we are the face of our nation.” And with a framed picture of 45 staring down. In fucking California!!! Welcome to Trump’s America!
— James Dyer (@jamescdyer)
August 22, 2019 He let me go after I said that I was just here to write about Star Wars, and would keep the fake news about that to a bare minimum. Thankfully the statute of limitations has expired on @ChrisHewitt’s 5 star review of Attack Of The Clones...
— James Dyer (@jamescdyer)
August 22, 2019 To clarify for those (kindly) saying this was illegal detention, I wasn’t detained or taken into a room. This all happened at the visa/passport/fingerprint check and only lasted a couple of minutes. He made no attempt to physically detain me beyond the questions (and lecture).
— James Dyer (@jamescdyer)
August 22, 2019 “Apparently the only truth now comes from YouTube and the president. All this said under a CBP sign that says ‘we are the face of our nation’. And with a framed picture of 45 staring down. In f***ing California!!! Welcome to Trump’s America!” Mr Dyer added.
For the benefit of the “it never happened/I call bullshit” commenters: pic.twitter.com/fsV21Mmcbq
— James Dyer (@jamescdyer)
August 23, 2019 A CBP spokesperson told The Independent: "Unappropriated (sic) comments or behaviour are not tolerated, and do not reflect our values of vigilance, integrity and professionalism. We strongly advise travellers to file a formal complaint so alleged misconduct is properly investigated."
