By Debbie Schlussel

I’ve frequently criticized “trusted traveler” programs enacted with the cooperation of the U.S. government, because they allow the possibility that terrorists will escape the security scrutiny to which everyone else is subject, merely because someone without a record paid $200. The programs are ripe for terrorist abuse. And, now, an unnamed (gee, I wonder why) Canadian man has proven that true. And it’s not the first time I’ve told you about one of these transgressions by a “trusted traveler.”

The 36-year-old Canadian, a “trusted traveler” whose name hasn’t been disclosed (is it, “Mohammed”?), was caught on Tuesday, trying to smuggle 3,450 rounds of ammunition into the U.S. from Canada, via the Detroit-Windsor Ambassador Bridge. Now, how did this unnamed Al-Canadi get into the trusted traveler program? He probably didn’t have a record. Terrorist groups know this, and so they train and select those without records to apply for these programs. He probably thought his bullets wouldn’t be detected. And they might not have been, since trusted traveler participants are subject to only very basic searches. That this man was subject to a secondary screening–where the ammunition was discovered–isn’t likely for trusted travelers. In fact, it usually doesn’t happen. So, this was lucky. How many times have “trusted travelers” gotten their weaponry through? Many times. Count on it.

Incredibly, Homeland Security officials released the man to freedom, into the great American abyss . . . after he tried to sneak thousands of bullets into America and lied about it to Customs and Border Protection officials. HUH? How does that happen? It happens because we aren’t serious about America’s national security. It’s a joke. You might say he was released because authorities want to follow him and see with whom he meets. Um, no. The guy has been made, and he knows it. And the incident has been publicized. He’s not going to alert authorities as to why he tried to smuggle the bullets in and with whom he was planning to do who-knows-what with them.

More:

DETROIT — Federal agents in Detroit have seized 3,450 rounds of ammunition from a vehicle trying to enter the U.S. from Canada across the Ambassador Bridge.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Tuesday that the rounds were for a .22 caliber weapon and concealed beneath the front passenger seat floor mat.

A 36-year-old Canadian man entering through a trusted traveler program lane Wednesday had told authorities he had no items to declare. A secondary inspection turned up the ammunition.

He was questioned by Homeland Security and released. The man also was issued a civil penalty and removed from the NEXUS program, which allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing by U.S. and Canadian officials.

Acting Port Director David Beculheimer says the program “allows low risk, frequent border travelers benefits not available to others.”

Low risk? Trusted traveler? Not even close. The only thing “trusted” here is the certainty that America will act with idiocy when it comes to our borders and the malefactors, such as the “unnamed Canadian, whom we let in.

I’m sure the guy went laughing all the way to the mosque. Alhamdillullah [praise allah].