Journalist stopped by US border agent 'for being part of fake news media'

[Recursion]

Source: The Independent (I know, I know)

A British journalist has said he was stopped at a US airport by a border agent who accused the writer of being part of the “fake news media”, a term regularly used by Donald Trump to attack media coverage he disapproves of.

James Dyer, online editor-in-chief at Empire Magazine, said he was questioned by the Customs and Border Protection agent after he displayed his journalist visa at Los Angeles International Airport border control.

“He wanted to know if I’d ever worked for CNN or MSNBC or other outlets that are ‘spreading lies to the American people’,” Mr Dyer tweeted of the incident on Thursday. “He aggressively told me that journalists are liars and are attacking their democracy.”

CNN and MSNBC are cable news channels which receive particular scorn from the president.

Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/james-dyer-journalist-us-border-patrol-lax-airport-fake-news-trump-a9076016.html

[bluestarone]

1. WTF?

More like rUSSIA everyday! THIS has to be stopped but how?

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. CBP confirm this happened (he wasn't detained, he just thought this was inappropriate)

"Yes, the incident happened," CBP spokesperson Jaime Ruiz told Newsweek, referring to allegations made by Empire Magazine writer James Dyer, who said on Thursday that a CBP officer derided him as "fake news" and inquired about whether he worked for MSNBC or CNN, both frequent targets of President Donald Trump.
...
In a correspondence with Newsweek, Dyer explained his decision not to file a formal complaint, despite the urging of CBP officials.

"While I think he was out of line, I don't believe he should be singled out and potentially suffer for it," Dyer said told Newsweek. "Perhaps just CBP could better communicate what is and isn't appropriate to border personnel. I respect his right to hold whatever views he wishes. That said, I do think it was inappropriate to say that while working in an official capacity."

https://www.newsweek.com/james-dyer-immigration-los-angeles-cbp-fake-news-1455947

The twitter thread:

Link to tweet

[maxsolomon]

4. Agent needs a reprimand, regardless.

He's not there to have opinions on journalism, let alone crackpot ones.

[cstanleytech]

5. That and a transfer somewhere else that does not place them

anywhere where they can interact with the public in an official capacity.

[3Hotdogs]

8. I'm sure the bathrooms in the new Trump Family Friendly concentration camps need cleaning.

He could be assigned there.

[Trenzalore]

3. When a Democrat takes office in 2021 the new administration will need to De-Nazify the government

[Judi Lynn]

6. As soon as humanly possible. n/t

[betsuni]

7. ...

[BlueIdaho]

9. Shouldn't this read

“Former” Border Agent? I know the rules - I’m just making a point.

[riversedge]

10. um.. What makes you think the agent will be fired??