(AP) The Department of Homeland Security’s civil rights office will investigate reports that travelers of Iranian descent were singled out for extra scrutiny as they crossed the border from Canada into Washington last weekend, according to U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal.
The Seattle Democrat’s office said Thursday she had received assurances from DHS the matter is being reviewed and that the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties would send investigators to Washington.
DHS did not immediately respond to an email seeking confirmation and further details.
Civil rights groups and lawmakers have been demanding information from the department following reports that dozens of Iranian-Americans were detained and questioned for up to 11 hours at the Peace Arch Border Crossing in Blaine, Washington.
