Egyptian man violently kicks Customs and Border Protection beagle at Dulles Airport after the dog sniffs out over 100 pounds of contraband food, leading to the man’s immediate deportation from the United States.
Key Takeaways
- A 70-year-old Egyptian traveler, Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie, kicked a CBP beagle named Freddie after the dog detected over 100 pounds of prohibited food items in his luggage.
- CBP officers arrested Marie and discovered 55 pounds of beef, 44 pounds of rice, 15 pounds of vegetables, and other prohibited agricultural products in his possession.
- Marie pleaded guilty to harming a law enforcement animal, was ordered to pay veterinary fees, and was subsequently deported to Egypt.
- Freddie, the 5-year-old beagle who is part of CBP’s Beagle Brigade, suffered contusions but is expected to make a full recovery and has returned to duty.
- The incident highlights the Trump administration’s continuing enforcement of strict border control measures and the serious consequences for attacking law enforcement animals.
Assault on CBP Beagle Leads to Swift Deportation
A routine inspection at Washington Dulles International Airport escalated into an international incident when an Egyptian traveler physically assaulted a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) beagle. The dog, named Freddie, was simply performing his duties when he detected prohibited agricultural products in the traveler’s luggage. In response to being discovered, 70-year-old Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie violently kicked the dog, sending Freddie briefly airborne and resulting in rib contusions. CBP officers immediately apprehended Marie, beginning a swift process that would end with his removal from the United States.
CBP officers conducting a thorough search of Marie’s luggage discovered an alarming amount of prohibited agricultural products: 55 pounds of beef, 44 pounds of rice, 15 pounds of vegetables, two pounds of corn seeds, and one pound of herbs. All these items are strictly prohibited from entering the United States due to the significant risks they pose to American agriculture and food security. The attempted smuggling of such a large quantity of prohibited items suggests deliberate intent to circumvent U.S. agricultural protection laws, which are designed to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and diseases.
Legal Consequences for Attacking a Law Enforcement Animal
Following his arrest, Marie faced serious legal consequences for his assault on Freddie. He was charged with harming a law enforcement animal, a significant offense that reflects the important role these animals play in protecting our borders. Marie ultimately pleaded guilty to the charge and was ordered to pay for Freddie’s veterinary bills. “The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to protecting its law enforcement assets,” said K9 officers.
“Being caught deliberately smuggling well over one hundred pounds of undeclared and prohibited agriculture products does not give one permission to violently assault a defenseless Customs and Border Protection beagle,” said Christine Waugh, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C.
The swift prosecution and subsequent deportation of Marie sends a clear message about the Trump administration’s zero-tolerance policy for attacks on law enforcement personnel and animals. This case represents one of many deportations carried out under President Trump’s enhanced border security measures, which prioritize the protection of American interests and the strict enforcement of immigration laws. Marie’s attack on Freddie was not just an assault on an animal but was treated as an attack on the entire CBP organization.
Freddie’s Role in Border Security and Agricultural Protection
Freddie is a valuable member of CBP’s Beagle Brigade, a specialized unit of detection dogs that play a crucial role in screening passengers and cargo at ports of entry throughout the United States. These highly trained beagles are specifically selected for their keen sense of smell, friendly disposition, and non-threatening appearance, making them ideal for busy airport environments. The Beagle Brigade is a critical line of defense in preventing prohibited agricultural products from entering the country, potentially carrying pests and diseases that could devastate American agriculture.
“We rely heavily on our K9 partners and Freddie was just doing his job. Any malicious attack on one of us is an attack on all of us, and CBP will continue to work with our investigating and prosecuting partners to deal swift and severe justice to perpetrators,” stated Christine Waugh.
Despite suffering contusions to his right forward rib area, Freddie has already returned to duty after receiving appropriate veterinary care. The resilient beagle is expected to make a full recovery and continue his important work protecting American agriculture. CBP’s agriculture specialists work alongside their K9 partners like Freddie to inspect international passengers and cargo, serving as the front line in the fight against agricultural threats. This incident highlights not only the effectiveness of these detection dogs but also the risks they face in performing their vital duties.
