United States v. Miguel Angel Ramos-Saenz

We must decide whether the search of an individual’s shoes immediately after clearing airport customs is a routine border search.

I

On July 22, 1993, Miguel Angel Ramos-Saenz arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on a direct flight from Guadalajara, Mexico. In the customs area of the terminal, Senior Customs Inspector Charles Carlson stopped Ramos-Saenz after noticing his bright, white tennis shoes. Inspector Carlson wrote on Ramos-Saenz’ declaration card that his shoes should be checked at the secondary customs inspection area. Ramos-Saenz then proceeded to the secondary inspection area where Inspector William Allen Owens was stationed. Inspector Owens performed a cursory check of Ramos-Saenz but did not search his shoes. Finding nothing suspicious Inspector Owens signed Ramos-Saenz’ customs declaration, indicating that he had been checked. As Ramos-Saenz walked toward the customs area exit, Inspector Carlson again noticed Ramos-Saenz and called for him to stop. Inspectors Carlson and Gerald Niemeyer then showed Ramos-Saenz to a private inspection room and asked him to remove his shoes. The Inspectors discovered approximately 526 grams of heroin hidden within the soles…