Border Patrol: Canadian Man Used Fake Military ID From Iran Attempting to Enter U.S.

A Canadian man has been arrested and charged with making a false statement while attempting to enter the United States at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, federal authorities announced Tuesday.

Omid Kazemimanesh, 38, of Mississauga, Ontario, was charged following an investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, the charge carries a potential maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Officials stated that Kazemimanesh first attempted to enter the U.S. on October 18, 2024, telling border officers he had served in the Iranian Army about 13 years ago. However, he was unable to provide documentation confirming his military service and was denied entry. At that time, he was informed he would need to present official documents, including a military completion card, before being allowed entry.

Kazemimanesh returned to the border on March 8, 2025, and during a secondary inspection, he presented an Iranian military service card and discharge paperwork, which he claimed were official documents issued by the Iranian government. A CBP officer, however, suspected the military card was fraudulent. A subsequent review determined the document was not authentic, according to authorities.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The investigation was conducted by CBP, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and HSI, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.

Kazemimanesh has been charged by criminal complaint, which is a formal accusation, and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.