Contraband: Seized at the Border

Like all of these reality series that deal with this theme, this one highlights the outstanding job done by CBP agents in their daily war, protecting national borders. However, the episodes tend to become repetitive after a while, even using the same dialogue over and over. For viewers, the repetitive nature of the episodes do not do much to keep people engaged and interested. Understandably, this work is of the utmost importance to any country, but it does not make for riveting viewing after the first 10-15 episodes. It is therefore surprising that it has been given repeat seasons, despite the repetitive format.

The show tries to reflect how deep and serious it is it is going to help to protect the USA. It's ok. Very repetitive.

However here are some facts: 1. Ppl driving or walking through to the border are a very small percent of what actually gets across. The staff on the show state specifically they stop and check 10% of the vehicles coming through. Think about how much people get through.

There are also tunnels under the border. With technology there can be 2 ppl on each side of a border at night with a

2. The border is a toss of the dice. Given the percentage of how many are allowed to drive or walk through bc most people are being waved through. This means they will get things across more often than not. Thats why ppl keep trying.

3. Mostly what's annoying is Maniece, a staff person on the Texas border. Big ego likes that camera on him when he's interacting with people. Other staff are nice and diplomatic. Seems he wants to be respected or else.

He has a lot of opinions of the people he's interacting with. Many respond to him w frustration bc he comes across as sarcastic and an *ss.

4. Two same scenarios, different people at the border.

Both have Maniece saying the govt has agreed to charge you, you pay the penalty right now.

To one middle aged woman this was regarding avocados. It's apparent the woman and her husband are middle aged couple who had a cpl drinks. They didnt believe they were wrong w avocados so are upset bc Maniece isn't trying to get them to roll with it he's a tough guy. Says it $300 fine ...or else they'll come after your property. They're really unclear why. Then Maniece takes the husband puts handcuffs on him bc he was sitting and agitated not knowing why $300 and takes him to the back. The wife pays and the couple are leaving and Maniece just can't relax the ego. People are allowed to be angry.

Then a younger woman is told pay $500 fine now...or else it starts at $5,000. No explanation of what law, options or protocol for this fine. Or why he has the power to dangle it and then threaten "or else".

The narrator is kind of silly talking like this is wickedly serious and the "officers" are secret service and clamping down daily on bad people. I get it's a needed job but really, they let more go by than they get. Just be serious and nice. Don't be Maniece.