Non-Citizen NY Travelers Face Extra Scrutiny at Local Airports: Attorney Robert Tsigler Featured in Gothamist
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NEW YORK & BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Washingtoner -- Robert Tsigler, an immigration attorney based in New York City, was featured in a recent Gothamist report highlighting growing concerns over the treatment of non-citizen travelers reentering the United States through local airports.

According to the article, travelers with green cards, visas, and even dual citizenship have reported being detained, subjected to invasive questioning, and having their phones searched by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. These actions come amid a broader federal push for intensified immigration enforcement.

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Robert Tsigler, founding attorney of the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, told Gothamist that dozens of his firm's clients have experienced this heightened scrutiny. "Under the current administration, we are finding that they're using whatever tools they have in their arsenal to effectuate deportations," said Tsigler.

The report underscores a disturbing trend: lawful non-citizens are being treated as if their legal status offers no protection against arbitrary or aggressive tactics. Tsigler noted that some of his clients were placed in ICE custody, despite having legal permission to reside and travel in the U.S.

"Our clients are being pulled into secondary inspection with no clear explanation," Tsigler explained. "Many have criminal records that were never an issue under previous administrations. Now, these same records are being used as grounds for detention or attempted removal."

The article also raises concerns about digital privacy. Immigration lawyers cited examples of travelers being pressured to unlock phones, share social media content, and even sign documents relinquishing their right to enter the U.S.

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Tsigler urges all non-citizens to travel with caution and be fully prepared. "Bring documentation showing the final disposition of any criminal matters, don't sign anything you don't understand, and know that only an immigration judge—not a border agent—can revoke your status," he said.

As immigration policy becomes more aggressive at ports of entry, the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC continues to provide essential legal support for non-citizens navigating an increasingly uncertain landscape. The firm remains committed to protecting immigrant rights through aggressive advocacy, legal education, and rapid-response representation.