'Border Security' Stories That Netflix Wants Swept Under The Rug

"Border Security: America's Front Line" was one of the many Netflix series that provided behind-the-scenes action to the viewers at home. Though it didn't last for a long time, it was a part of the cultural conversation, as it featured U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents who protected the American borders and airports.

As you might've guessed, the "Border Security" series didn't sit well with some viewers. In 2019, Raices Texas — an immigration and refugee activist group — tweeted its displeasure with the series. Raices Texas tweeted, "@netflix propping up Border Patrol propaganda is not a good omen for our $12.99 a month subscription."

Of course, the viewers' opinions can differ, but we think we can agree on some "Border Security" stories that Netflix wants swept under the rug.

10 Packaged Sweets Are A Common Sight At JFK Airport

"Border Security" aired its first episode on September 30, 2016. The episode started out with packaged sweets that left a sour taste at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York. Sweets in their original packaging usually pass, as long as they're sealed and labeled. There are only some instances where a passenger gets questioned for such sweets, so the fact the CBP singled out a person of color wasn't the most moral action.

9 Security Not Believing A Passenger's Wedding Vows Is Just Absurd

After the first-ever episode, the second episode followed, but it wasn't the smartest idea. It started out with a traveler who told the CBP that he had just flown in for a wedding, but wasn't believed by the local authorities. Yes, there are sham marriage schemes, but this storyline was acted out by skilled actors and actresses, which defeated the purpose of the term "behind-the-scenes action."

8 It's Not Surprising To See Weird Things In Detroit, Including The DTW Airport

"Border Security" had a tendency to center several episodes in Detroit, Michigan. Yes, we're well-aware that Detroit is a dangerous hotspot, but there are other equally dangerous cities in America. One episode showed pieces of clotted luggage that were discovered by the CBP at Detroit Metro Airport. But that likely wasn't the first time — inside or outside the airport — such things have been a cringe-worthy sight for passengers and officers alike. Not so much "shock value."

7 Just Because A Laptop Can't Compute, Doesn't Mean It's Suspicious

Another episode of "Border Security" started off with a Caribbean traveler whose laptop was unable to compute at the John F. Kennedy International Airport. First off, Caribbean countries are widely regarded as North American regions. Second, there are all sorts of passengers who were unaware of the CBP's rules. So there are passengers with negative intentions with their laptops who face further punishment, but there are also some who simply forgot a thing or two.

6 Undeclared Meat Is Nothing New At The Airport

Unless if you've been living under a rock, you should know that the CBP prohibits meat and plant products upon arrival to the U.S. You must declare such products and undergo an inspection by an officer. Some "Border Security" episodes contained scenarios of travelers who got caught with undeclared meat, but that's not really an eye-catching storyline. There are other storylines that could've attracted more viewers, who are the main reason behind a series' success or failure.

5 There's No Point In Singling Out A Traveler With Artificial Beauty

There was one episode of "Border Security" that didn't really fit in with the theme of the series. Why's that? A traveler's injectable beauty might've made her look good, but it wasn't a good look for the CBP, who detained her at a major airport. That's a better idea for a reality television show with beautiful women, but not for a security-oriented series with officers who are on the lookout for controversial activities and items.

4 Bath Salts Don't Need Extra Publicity

Bath salts are a tough topic to talk about, so we'll give credit to "Border Security" for bringing them up. However, bath salts aren't 100 percent legal because they can be easily found, and the gray line not only affects the viewers' perceptions, but also the series' intent. Like were they trying to educate others about the effects of bath salts or were they just trying to make it seem like only foreigners carried bath salts?

3 Pills Aren't The Enemy

Okay, there are some instances where pills would pose as an issue, like the pills marked "JFK" that were frozen by the CBP at John F. Kennedy International Airport. But there are also instances like the pills stored in film containers in another episode of "Border Security" that seemed more commonplace. Sometimes, it was nothing more than a misunderstanding due to each country's rules on medications, so it wasn't much a sneaking to begin with.

2 Fake IDs Don't Discriminate In Real Life

"Border Security" was supposed to be a big hit, but some episodes fell shy of generating high-profile controversy among conservatives and liberals alike. For example, the episode that started off with a traveler who tried to cross the US-Mexico border with a fake ID and the CBP refused to accept such an ID. That's something viewers didn't have to pay $8.99 per month to see. They could've seen a similar story on the news for free.

1 Not All Foreigners With Long Stays On Their K-1 Fiance Visas Have Bad Intentions

Yes, there are travelers who raise eyebrows after long stays in foreign countries, but there are just as many who simply needed some extra time, like, say, the travelers who were allowed into America because of their K-1 visas. Maybe they flew back to their native countries to talk things out with their folks or something of that sort. This wasn't a large issue. There were larger issues that could've been shown on "Border Security."

Next: 15 Of The Strangest Things Confiscated At Border Patrol In The US (10 In Europe)