since9
Campaign Veteran
Suggested reply, "I am cooperating to the full extent required by law. Is there a reason you are demanding extra-legal cooperation for which you have no authority?"
I do not agree with the article's comment, "By questioning the demands of government agents, of course, Lukacs was committing the crime of "escalation.""
First, Lukacs did not question the demands of government agents. He simply refused to answer their questions, as is his right to do so. In response, however, the customs agent has the authority to expand the list of questions from a few cursory ones into an a large notebook of them.
Therefore, to expedite, if someone really wants to adopt this practice (I don't recommend it), I would recommend saying the following: "Sir/Ma'am - I am a U.S. citizen. I have filled out the appropriate documentation and have presented you with a valid and current passport. May I please go now? I have somewhere I need to be." If they don't let you go, simply state, "I refuse to answer any further questions."
They have the authority to do a more substantial background check, including getting two or more people to verify database photos, and possibly even taking fingerprints (though I'm not sure as to the latter). That might take a while!
They do not have the authority to "force him to sit for two, three, four hours until he cools down." That's unlawful detainment and legal action can be taken in response.