CBP Notice for Travelers Entering U.S. from Canada via “Ice Bridge.”

Sault Sainte Marie, Mich. – Winter season 2009 is here and U.S. Customs and Border Protection is providing travelers arriving on Drummond Island, Mich., via the “Ice Bridge” from Canada with information about reporting procedures.

The following procedures for travelers arriving on Drummond Island, Mich., via the “Ice Bridge” from Canada are in place. These procedures are part of CBP’s comprehensive efforts to improve security at our nation’s borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

  1. General reporting instructions:
    • All travelers arriving at Drummond Island from Canada, via the “Ice Bridge”, are required to immediately report their arrival to the CBP office.
    • For general information regarding reporting procedures please call CBP at (906) 632-2631.
  2. Designated reporting station and regular hours of service:
    • The designated reporting station is the Drummond Island Yacht Haven Dock, Drummond Island, Mich.
    • Regular Service Hours are noon – 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
  3. Requests for service outside of the established regular hours for special events:
    • Must be made, and approved, in advance by contacting Port Director Devin Chamberlain, Assistant Port Director Leroy Frazier or Assistant Port Director Patrick Wilson at (906) 632-7221.
  4. Information required for entry into the United States via the “Ice Bridge”:
    • Proof of Citizenship and Photo Identification
    • Vehicle registration (Snowmobile/Air sled/ATV/Hovercraft)
    • Value of any merchandise to be declared
  5. Failure to report arrival:
    • Failure to report your arrival can result in civil penalties of up to $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation with the conveyance subject to seizure and forfeiture.
    • Any alien who enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated is in violation of Sec. 275 (a) (1) (8 U.S.C.1325). Any alien present in the United States without being admitted or paroled or who arrives in the United States at any time or place other than as designated is inadmissible under Sec. 212 (a)(6)(A)(i). Any alien who enters without inspection at any time or place not designated is in violation of 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1325 (a)(1) and upon conviction liable for a fine of $5,000 for first offense or imprisonment for up to 6 months. Second or subsequent offenses are Class E Felonies subject to a fine of up to$250,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years.
  6. Reporting suspicious activities:
    • The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency is asking the community to report any suspicious activity and/or non-complaint travelers by calling 1-800-537-3220or 1-800-BE-ALERT (1-800-232-5378).

“The Ice Bridge from Canada is unique to our area and a part of the history of Sault Sainte Marie,” said Port Director Devin Chamberlain. “CBP wants to work with travelers utilizing this unique crossing to make it a secure crossing for everyone.”