05/03/17
WASHINGTON, DC — Federal immigration officials arrested an immigrant last week after finding he had been inside the US for approximately 90 minutes past the allowed time on his visa.
Baxter Reid, 26, was an immigrant from Australia whose visa was valid for five years on the condition that he would exit and re-enter the country every six months.
He was close to the six month mark when he was trying to visit Canada but was denied entry at the Canadian border.
“They spent hours asking us remedial questions and giving us the run around, with hours of dead time in between,” said his friend.
Because Reid had to stay in the US after the incident with the Canadian border agents, he was arrested and locked up.
He was only 90 minutes past the visa deadline.
Now, he is having to wait to be scheduled for an appearance in US courts, and could be in jail for up to six months in the meantime.
“I don’t know if there’s really a word to describe what I’m feeling right now, I’m almost ashamed to say I’m American,” Reid’s girlfriend said .
A GoFundMe page has been set up to secure funding for Reid as he tries to endure the situation.