Egyptian traveler who kicked a CBP beagle into the air after being caught with over 100 pounds of illegal food faced swift deportation from the United States under President Trump’s strict border enforcement policy.
Key Takeaways
- 70-year-old Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie from Egypt was deported after kicking Freddie, a CBP beagle who detected his smuggled food items at Dulles Airport.
- The traveler attempted to smuggle 55 pounds of beef, 44 pounds of rice, 15 pounds of vegetables, and other prohibited agricultural products into the US.
- Marie pleaded guilty to harming a law enforcement animal, paid veterinary fees, and was immediately deported as part of President Trump’s strong border enforcement policies.
- Freddie suffered contusions to his rib area but is expected to make a full recovery and has already returned to duty.
- CBP officials emphasized that attacks on service animals are treated as attacks on the entire agency, reinforcing zero tolerance for such behavior.
Smuggled Food and Violent Response
A routine inspection at Washington Dulles International Airport turned violent when an Egyptian traveler lashed out at a CBP detection dog. Freddie, a 5-year-old beagle who is part of the Customs and Border Protection’s Beagle Brigade, was performing his regular duties when he alerted handlers to prohibited agricultural products in baggage arriving from Cairo, Egypt. “The traveler, 70-year-old Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie, responded by violently kicking Freddie, sending the small dog briefly airborne and resulting in immediate detention by CBP officers,” said Christine Waugh.
When officers thoroughly inspected Marie’s luggage, they discovered a staggering amount of prohibited items: 55 pounds of beef, 44 pounds of rice, 15 pounds of vegetables, two pounds of corn seeds, and a pound of herbs. All these items are strictly regulated or prohibited from entering the United States due to the potential risk of introducing foreign agricultural diseases and pests that could devastate American agriculture. The substantial quantity suggested an attempt at large-scale smuggling rather than simple ignorance of customs regulations.
Swift Justice and Deportation
Following the incident, CBP officers arrested Marie and turned him over to Homeland Security agents for prosecution. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia took on the case, reflecting the serious nature of both the smuggling attempt and the assault on a law enforcement animal. Marie ultimately pleaded guilty to harming a law enforcement animal and was ordered to pay the veterinarian’s fees for treating Freddie’s injuries. Under President Trump’s strengthened immigration enforcement policies, Marie was promptly deported back to Egypt.
“Being caught deliberately smuggling well over one hundred pounds of undeclared and prohibited agriculture products does not give one permission to violently assault a defenseless Customs and Border Protection beagle,” said Christine Waugh, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C.
The harsh and immediate consequences for Marie’s actions highlight the current administration’s commitment to enforcing border security laws and protecting the officers—both human and canine—who secure our nation’s points of entry. This incident is part of a broader pattern of increased enforcement and deportations under President Trump’s immigration policies, which have prioritized national security and the rule of law at America’s borders.
Freddie’s Recovery and the Critical Role of K9 Units
Fortunately, Freddie’s injuries were not severe. The brave beagle suffered contusions to his right forward rib area but has already returned to duty. Freddie is part of an elite team of detection dogs specifically trained to identify agricultural products that could harm U.S. agriculture. Beagles are particularly well-suited for this role due to their exceptional sense of smell, non-threatening appearance, and friendly demeanor—characteristics that make the attack against Freddie even more egregious.
“We rely heavily on our K9 partners and Freddie was just doing his job. Any malicious attack on one of us is an attack on all of us, and CBP will continue to work with our investigating and prosecuting partners to deal swift and severe justice to perpetrators,” said Christine Waugh.
CBP’s Beagle Brigade serves as a crucial first line of defense in protecting American agriculture from foreign pests and diseases. These dogs and their handlers screen thousands of passengers and cargo shipments daily at ports of entry across the United States. Their work prevents potentially catastrophic outbreaks that could cost billions in damages to U.S. agriculture. The swift prosecution and deportation of Marie sends a clear message that President Trump’s administration will not tolerate interference with these vital security measures or attacks on law enforcement animals.
