This prevents against arbitrary arrests and is the basis of the law regarding search warrants. } Are there any restrictions on what type of food my animal can have on the train? A maximum of two excess bags are permitted per passenger. The number of boxes is limited, so boxes may not always be available. Does the DEA or ICE get on there? The cop searched my bag, and explained to me that he can give me back my weed, but I risked getting arrested if I took it on the train with me. All rights reserved. They have targeted passengers in sleeper cars and those in coach. Although I have far more readers on the Acela corridor than anywhere else on the Amtrak system, and although that corridor serves the most passengers by a wide margin, I have yet to receive a story of anyone being harassed by the DEA on that route. or do dogs come onto the train? Some popular Amtrak routes that offer checked baggage service include:-The Acela Express which offers service between Boston New York Philadelphia and Washington D.C.-. Passwords are case sensitive, should be at least 10 characters long and should include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. A: Yes, you can absolutely bring alcohol onto an Amtrak train as long as it remains unopened. Law enforcement has been trying to intercept drug couriers on Amtrak trains for many years. A previous International Narcotics Interdiction Associations Agent/Officer of the Year, Special Agent Perry with the Drug Enforcement Administration is behind as many as 1,600 criminal cases against drug couriers, according to court documents touting his credibility as a star government witness. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges. Im not a drug courier, Beth told The Intercept. It was very easy and convenient this way, and made it quicker for our many on/off the train in the various cities we visited. That answer wasnt correct either. Do not pack your medication in checked baggage, or leave it packed in your car on the Auto Train, as you will not have access to your checked bags or vehicle during your journey. and I've read that there is some luggage space on the Superliner coming out of LAX, but I am wondering how available it is. How many covert wars, miscarriages of justice, and dystopian technologies would remain hidden if our reporters werent on the beat? Not all trains or locations are equipped to handle checked baggage. JavaScript is disabled. -The Empire Builder which offers service between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. Members of our squad have made numerous narcotic arrests and seizures from this train route, Marriott wrote. Packing Your Luggage | Amtrak There area lot of people traveling on the train with something they dont want the government knowing about, McKenzie said in an interview with The Intercept, and law enforcement all along the route are aware of this fact as well. So there should be enough space for your bags. I quit using Amtrak due to a 4 a.m. search and robbery of $300 in cash (thank god for travelers checks) by cops in Buffalo. / : ; < = > ? As Perry explained to her, the only money Ive ever seen rubber banded up in increments like that is drug money. He and his partner left the train with the cash packed away in plastic evidence bags. OK. Stay calm and no matter what happens, rest assured that misconduct can be reported after the incident and your rights can be defended in court. As he told a judge at a hearing in 2011, I want to go to trial, because I want to see who the government puts on this stand as this person who is credible, who sends the information. In an earlier hearing, over objections from the U.S. attorneys office, a DEA agent had testified that he received McKenzies itinerary from an informant in one of Amtraks ticketing offices, who had been trained to look for drug couriers by Perry and an Amtrak Police Department officer. ! " He argues that these raids do nothing to stop the flow of illegal drugs. Thats why we win. That was it. A $20 excess baggage fee will be charged for each carry-on and personal item above the quantity and size limits. Whenever I had to travel with a larger-than-carry-on suitcase, I'd ship the business stuff a day or two earlier via UPS. Items that are not allowed to be checked as baggage include but are not limited to: firearms ammunition flammable liquids and gases explosi ves poisons corrosives toxic substances infectious substances radioactive materials laptop computers and other electronic devices. Please enter a password. You can tell where I'm going with this. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Last year, Greyhound tried to kick the DEA out of its Albuquerque station. Los Angeles is a known source city for illegal narcotics, DEA Special Agent Ryan Marriott wrote in an arrest affidavit in January 2019, describing how he found a courier on the Southwest Chief in Kansas City, Missouri. Does Amtrak have drug dogs? display: block; Federal health regulations prohibit Amtrak personnel from handling your food, heating it in our ovens, or storing it in our refrigerators. Yes service animals must be kept on a leash or in a carrier at all times and may not occupy a seat. Passengers must retrieve their checked baggage at their destination station after the train has arrived. My job used to be as a paid political operative. Amtraks Southwest Chief stops to pick up passengers. We can supply ice for your cooler/container to keep medication cool. } Do your bags get searched on Amtrak? - Wisdom-Advices Simply enter the origin and destination stations and the website will list the services offered at each station. $20 each. You may take your animal to any Amtrak personnel and they will assist you. I was a young (30) white male traveling alone. -The Northeast Regional which offers service between Boston and Washington D. C. -The Palmetto which offers service between New York and Savannah. If you have been singled out by law enforcement on an Amtrak excursion, please contact Gullberg, Box & LLC to ensure that your rights are properly represented. Free ID tags are available at all of our stations. Amtrak does not have any security screening procedure of pretty much any kind. The Amtrak Cascades which offers service between Seattle and Portland. Her arm was bruised from where he grabbed her, she later claimed in federal court. The story was thisthe law enforcement agent (who was very polite) woke everyone up gently, one at a time, and asked if they were U.S. citizens. and We serve alcoholic beverages onboard trains in most Dining, Lounge and Caf Cars. Might I ask what kind of room you'll be in? Do they search people onboard their trains? The carry-on and checked baggage policies on Amtrak Thruway Services of the 7000 . Most of the passengers have no idea that DEA agents also often come aboard. Perry did not respond to a request for an interview. Special Menus & Special Dietary Requirements. If checked baggage is available, you can check two bags through to your final . Maybe thats a coincidence. Feel free to pack any bottles of alcohol safely and securely inside your allotted amount of luggage. I used to ask for them [the Greyhound passenger lists], but then they just started sending them to me, because that was kind of a general practice, he testified. They're more concerned with bombs than drugs; but I'm not going to say that they won't stop someone for drugs. I appreciate your input. But the defendant agreed to a plea deal shortly after the opinion was published, ending further inquiry into the matter. An Amtrak Police Department canine in Chicago named Gander has detected the smell of narcotics on luggage that turned out to be carrying anywhere from a modest $20,040 to a whopping $830,000, according to asset forfeiture suits filed by the U.S. government within the past year and a half. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. / : ; < = > ? Here is my story: I took the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco in April 2014. To speak with an experienced criminal defense trial lawyer, call 309-734-1001 and we will provide you with a no-obligation consultation at your earliest convenience. r/Amtrak is for anything Amtrak related. Passengers luggage stored on the Southwest Chief. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. . The train leaves every day in both directions, passing through the same rural route once crossed by traders in the 1800s. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution states that The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Where can I take my animal to relieve itself? } I had a sleeper car as I was going from Austin to Los Angeles. You should inform the nearest Amtrak personnel of your situation and they will assist you. For more information, please see our When you are a staffer its more than clothes. At the baggage car, hand your luggage to the Amtrak crew member and you'll receive a claim check to retrieve your luggage at the destination station. (The Lake Shore Limited does not cross international borders.) } An older woman with brown skin looks caught off-guard when Perry reveals his badge. You may bring aboard your own private stock of alcoholic beverages subject to the following limitations: If you anticipate requiring medication en route, please carry it with you aboard your train. By 2016, the DEA said it would stop using Amtrak employees as paid informants, after the OIG uncovered improper relationships between the law enforcement agency and nearly three dozen other Amtrak sources. Checked Bags. Carry-On Baggage Policy | Amtrak And in Galesburg, Illinois, population 32,193, officers from the Galesburg Police Department and the Knox County Sheriffs Department have reportedly seized 191 pounds of cannabis from Amtrak passengers over a period of six years, in addition to some harder drugs. } What should I do if my animal needs medical attention while on the train? His secret weapons are a trainstationin his district that seem to attract an inordinate amount of drug trafficking, and a capacious interpretation of the Constitutions tolerance for stops and searches. Amtraks Southwest Chiefis the third-longest passenger rail line in the United States, taking about 327,000 people between Chicago and Los Angeles in 2018. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. _ @ " $ # ,). When retrieving your luggage, hand the claim check to the Amtrak crew member to receive your luggage. There is no mandatory check-in at the station (with perhaps a couple of exceptions, I believe L.A. is one), you just get on the train and go. Thats when an unknown DEA agent first approached an Amtrak secretary for information about the itinerary of a passenger who was under arrest. He flashes a smile and a badge. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the terms and conditions ! " And now it is a regular feature of train travel in the United States of America. Passwords are case sensitive. On paper the 763 stops for 20 minutes at LAX, and the 14 doesn't leave until 40 minutes later. Sometimes there will be police with drug/bomb-sniffing dogs in the larger stations, but there's no screening or any real restrictions on what you can bring, regardless of if it's a carry-on or a checked bag. You must be capable of self-administering any medications you bring with you. Thats all it takes to support the journalism you rely on. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? When I encounterPerry on the Southwest Chief in mid-March, he moves slowly along the coach car, interviewing a few of the passengers returning to their seats. The Amtrak secretary started using his access to Amtraks reservation system to regularly look for people who might be planning to transport illegal drugs or money, based solely on subtle clues like one-way itineraries for private bedrooms, trips booked on short notice, trips booked by third parties, and trips paid in cash. Checked vs Carry On: Which Should I Go With? : r/Amtrak - Reddit We will send password reset instructions. PDF Amtrak Baggage Policies Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. A young, disheveled man in a seat by the entrance to the car agrees to let Perry search his three bags. McKenzie fit the profile of a drug courier, the DEA, argued, because he had been traveling from a source city (Flagstaff, Arizona) to a destination (New York) on a one-way ticket that cost $1,836. Passwords are case sensitive. 40 years ago, when I was traveling regularly on business, usually flying, initially, I'd check my larger bag and have only my brief case full of 'business stuff' which included a reel of computer tape to match the one in my checked baggage. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. How Long Does It Take To Kill A Tree With Copper Nails, Ireland Government Masters, MBA & PHD Scholarship, Jobs for Caregivers In the USA with Visa Sponsorship, PEO International Peace Scholarship To Study In USA And Canada 2023, 6 Steps To Quickly Secure Scholarships For College, Top 10 Mistakes People Make With Insurance, 2023 MasterCard Fully Funded African Scholarship at University of California, Berkeley USA, Government of Ireland Masters Scholarships 2023 + MBA Entrance Scholarships at Ryerson University, Canada 2023, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. You know how unsafe that is for my safety? Bicycle Boxes: $15 per box; Ski Bags: $3 per bag; Shipping Boxes: $5 per box The pleasant trip ended at approximately 12:30 p.m. on July 7, 2008, when DEA Special Agent Mark Hyland and Stephen Surprenant de Garcia, an officer assigned to the DEAs local interdiction task force, approached McKenzie as he smoked a cigarette in Albuquerque. _ @ " $ # ,). I was then a 30-something female, traveling alone, with luggage I had in my room because I had a room (duh). r/Amtrak is for anything Amtrak related. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. The ACLU of New Mexico that year helped the couple file a lawsuit against the United States government, Perry, and two other cops. In 2008, a drug defendant accused Perry of perjury, prompting the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals to release an opinion stating that judges were troubled by the allegations and noting inconsistencies in Perrys account of how he linked a suitcase with drugs to the suspect in question. The Southwest Chiefmakes a daily 25-minute maintenance stop in Albuquerque in both directions. By following these policies, you'll have everything you need to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. } However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Special Agent Perry sometimes tells the people he searches that hes at the station for security purposes, but the line between protecting travelers andintimidating them has been the subject of debate at this station. When passengers reboard, they seem oblivious to his presence. Theyve made the arrests in the short amount of time that the Southwest Chief is stopped at the station. Law enforcement has been trying to intercept drug couriers on Amtrak trains for many years. Because he told me he was an officer, the young passenger in Albuquerque later said, explaining why he agreed to the search. In Kansas City, DEA agents and local officers with the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force await passengers on the train heading east. When McKenzies case went before a jury in 2011, they could only rule on whether he was carrying a mixture containing a minimum of 500 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute. Personally, I've never had anyone check my luggage on any train, but I also don't travel with any kind of drugs beyond my prescriptions. Its that the money is presumed to be guilty.. Be advised that you can check your baggage up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure; if you check your bag the night before then you just have to be at the station before your train departs. The courts have ruled this is also legal functioning like a helpful tip sheet on whom to question. I took an Amtrak train to Chicago for Spring Awakening and security was basically non-existent at my starting destination. In addition to self-service handcarts in a number of Amtrak stations, you can count on uniformed Red Caps to provide free baggage-handling assistance at many major stations. Basically, I beat Republicans for a living. If you will be transferring between stations en-route, plan for at least two hours of scheduled layover time to ensure your luggage is transferred to your new train. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. Boarding An Amtrak Train: What You Need To Know - TWK - Travels with Kev For those who missed the earlier stories: The DEA is mentioned again in what follows, though other stories concern different law-enforcement organizations. Unfortunately, trains are sometimes delayed and food supplies may become limited. The Amtrak Police Department learned about the arrangement in 2014, and by that time, the Amtrak secretary had amassed $854,460 from the DEA for his work snitching on riders. We're here to help you get the most of your journey by train. How do I know if my pet qualifies as a service animal? When Perry approaches, its hard for passengers to say no. Cookie Notice and are less likely to be found in the smaller stations or on board . Significantly fewer people have access to your bags on Amtrak than at an airport. No district court has ever found that Special Agent Perry was ever dishonest with the Court, a federal prosecutor reminded a defense attorney trying to poke holes in a 2014 case and so Perry is still at work. In 2006, anArmenian couple described officers growing belligerent during a trip on the Southwest Chief the previous year whenthe couple washesitant to agree to a bag search at Albuquerque. Personal Food, Beverages & Medication | Amtrak Your email address will not be published. Passengers tell stories of being awakened on a stop and being searched right there at their . At Chicagos Union Station, the final destination for the eastbound Southwest Chief and a hub for other long distance lines, a Chicago interdiction task force group, made of DEA agents and officers from the Chicago and Amtrak police departments, are routinely on the hunt for what they call drug proceed couriers, or in other words, people carrying large sums of cash. What should I do if I need to leave my animal unattended for any reason? Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. Animals including comfort animals. A $20 excess baggage fee will be charged for each carry-on and personal item above the quantity and size limits. Where will my animal sit during the train ride? An email with password reset instructions is on the way. .dpctv64507a6913a7b { Amtrak does offer checked baggage services on some routes and some stations, but you must check their website to make sure that the stations you're using provide checked baggage services. You are using an out of date browser. ), then I say check it through from origin to destination. I had been riding with the rest of the economy passengers and not in a sleeper car. You have landed at the best firm for Who is this guy, why is he harassing these people? She interrupted Perry while he interviewed a group of Hispanic women downstairs, asking to see his credentials. Up to 50 lbs. Passengers traveling with infants under the age of two may bring an additional infant item onboard (stroller, diaper bag, etc. I always had a spare as I was installing software I had written on clients computers. Rivers said he was stunned. Passwords are case sensitive. The agent flips through the mans luggage with tactical speed. Check the station detail page for the stations you'll be visiting to see if they offer this service. He implied that agents had obtained information about him, possibly illegally, in some other way that they werent being truthful about, which would have been grounds to get all the evidence they had on him tossed. I noticed that youre pretty nervous. DEA Agents Ambush Amtrak Passengers With Controversial Searches and Seizures, quirk of the American criminal justice system. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Two recent articles about the Drug Enforcement Administration harassing Amtrak passengers have elicited like . Those already on board have a short time to disembark for a cigarette or some fresh air. Birmingham AL; Chicago IL; Denver CO; Emeryville CA; Indianapolis IN; Kansas City MO; Los Angeles CA; Memphis TN; Miami FL; New Orleans LA; New York NY; Oakland CA; Orlando FL; Philadelphia PA; Phoenix AZ; Sacramento CA; San Diego CA; San Francisco CA; Seattle WA; St. The Amtrak employee received an unknown monetary reward based on the information they sent over. But in March 2019, Beth signed a document agreeing to forfeit the cash rather than testify under oath about where it came from. Sometimes there will be police with drug/bomb-sniffing dogs in the larger stations, but there's no screening or any real restrictions on what you can bring, regardless of if it's a carry-on or a checked bag. Harboring the false idea that security was lax, Richard McKenzie boarded the Southwest Chief in Flagstaff, Arizona, with 3 1/2 kilograms of cocaine in his luggage in 2008. "The Last Great City of the East," St. Paul, MN. In court, the officer will have to prove that there was probable cause to do a warrantless search and this will give your lawyer a good chance to win your case. You can trust both checked and carry-on baggage about as well as you can trust them on an airline, if not more so. Fees will be collected at the station or onboard the train if the station is unstaffed. Checked baggage service is available at a number of our stations and on many trains and Thruway Services. It is not, Amtrak insists, in response to any . News, photos, questions, and more. He asked to search my backpack and I consented. This may be why he was unconcerned. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. The Albuquerque Federal Courthouse building on March 18, 2019. A service animal is a dog that has been individually trained to perform tasks or do work to assist a person with a disability. PDF Amtrak Security Measures Yes*. 2 Personal Items What are the size and weight restrictions for checked baggage with Amtrak? Passengers tell stories of being awakened on a stop and being searched right there at their seats. Where can I take my animal to relieve itself? His secret weapons are a train and bus depot in his district that seem to attract an inordinate amount of drug trafficking, and a capacious interpretation of the Constitutions tolerance for stops and searches. live Amtrak Police Communications Officer who will correspond directly via text messag e with the person to learn more about the situation and determine the appropriate action . Basically, I beat Republicans for a living. Greyhound bus service declined to address the allegations that Perry or other DEA agents had touched or opened passengers bags, but added that the company does not provide passenger manifests to outside law enforcement unless it is an immediate life endangerment issue. The statement directly contradicts testimony that Perry gave in March 2019, describing how he receives, via email from a confidential source, the record of passengers coming to Albuquerque on the Greyhound almost every day. We file excellent motions to suppress illegally seized evidence. If checked baggage is available, you can check two bags through to your final destination free of charge. Quick Answer: Does Amtrak Use Drug Dogs - BikeHike We will send password reset instructions. The Albuquerque Amtrak and Greyhound terminal in March 2019. You want my name? McKenzies previous criminal record and his attempt to flee by running in a semi-circle around officers, jumping 10 feet out of the train window, then scaling a fence at the edge of the station topped with concertina wire meant that prosecutors could recommend a lengthy sentence. Amtrak to Start Screening Passengers, Carry-On Baggage Privacy Policy. So the size of the garment bag was never challenged. If you have special dietary requirements, or a condition such as diabetes, we suggest that you carry sufficient food with you to meet your needs in the event of a delay or other contingency. The person who recruited the Amtrak secretary as a DEA snitch described him to Department of Justice auditors in 2015 as one of the most valuable interdiction informants the DEA has ever known. Amtrak itineraries were a goldmine, the person added, responsible for the seizure of millions of dollars.. They've targeted carry-on baggage such as backpacks as well as typical checked baggage items. Baggage Policy | Amtrak After a little dialogue, I think the agent decided I was not suspicious and simply moved along. The first two are free of charge, and the second two cost $20 each. This last reader was once inconvenienced for an hour while the DEA searched her Amtrak train. Your email address will not be published. What do I need to do when I arrive at the station? Checked Baggage . Brian Pori, a longtime attorney with the federal public defenders office in Albuquerque, has represented numerous couriers caught at the train station. privacy policy. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . Special Menus & Special Dietary Requirements. 5. He remembers a man asking every passenger in his car in Albuquerque if they would consent to have their bags searched for contraband. Checked baggage must be dropped off at the Amtrak station prior to boarding and will be placed in the baggage car on the train. Before you arrive at the station, make sure your baggage is packed appropriately in suitable containers. I am traveling with a service animal. Boxes may be purchased at staffed stations to aid in repacking. and our and75 linear inches*, Oversized Baggage(76-100 linear inches*) Passwords are case sensitive, should be at least 10 characters long and should include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Fortunately, items like blankets, pillows, and medical devices are not part of the two-bag limit. Up to 50 lbs. You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. I'm OK with our bags getting there before we do. Special Menus & Special Dietary Requirements. My circumstances arent different than any other entrepreneur, he said. The ride is peaceful, with no Wi-Fi to pass the time, the security seemingly nonexistent. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Above all, they are violating the rights of Americans daily. (Travelers cant decline a search once a drug dog makes a positive hit, however.). Oversized Baggage (76-100 linear inches*) $20 each. Refusing a search protects you if you end up in court. But prior defendants in Albuquerque had tried similar arguments, and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals had determined in 2004 that it wasnt illegal for law enforcement to access Amtrak passenger records because they werent the sole basis of arrests; the consensual encounters were. It was a drug dog, and it alerted my bag. We will each have a backpack, and a suitcase. We recommend that you accept assistance from only uniformed Red Cap agents. What if they want to search my bags on Amtrak? Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? privacy policy. Rivers responded yes, just like everyone else had, and the agent took him up on it. First time riding the rails | Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum When you travel with us, you can carry-on two free pieces of luggage.