Point Roberts, a U.S. pene‑exclave tucked into the Tsawwassen peninsula, is separated from mainland Washington by Canadian territory.
On June 5, 2024, Adamson, 61, crossed the border from Tsawwassen to Point Roberts after a birthday dinner, only to be hauled into a U.S. customs office.
The officials asked her, 'Have you ever voted in a federal election?'—a question she had never faced before, even though DHS records showed her registered in Whatcom County.
She denied voting, but was forced to sign a removal order after six hours of interrogation, during which she was denied water until the fifth hour.
Adamson said, 'I was basically treated like a criminal,' recalling the lack of bathroom breaks and the intense pressure that lasted until after 2 a.m.
After signing the removal order, she was allowed to re‑enter the United States, but the incident has sparked criticism of DHS interrogation protocols for green‑card holders.