Ontario, Canada: An Indian-origin Sikh man, who says he is a U.S. citizen, recorded his interaction with Canadian border authorities after being denied entry into Canada. The video, now viral, shows the man claiming he has no criminal history while the border officer informs him that Canadian records list a past offence, making him ineligible to enter the country.

In the footage, the man accuses the officer of targeting him because of his religion. The officer firmly rejects the claim, stating that the decision is based only on information found in Canadian databases and on Canadian criminal laws.

“When we run your name in our system, it shows a record. Based on the information that appears, you are not allowed to enter Canada,” the officer explains. He adds that even if the man shows the video to his lawyer, the lawyer would understand that the officials followed proper procedures.

The Sikh man also complains that the officers collected his personal details and those of his friends. The officer responds by saying that assessing admissibility requires asking who the individual plans to meet and what they intend to do in Canada.

The man says he was travelling for religious reasons to visit a Sikh temple. The officer reiterates that the decision has nothing to do with religion. As the conversation grows tense, the man accuses the officer of treating him like a criminal. The officer replies, “I didn’t make you a criminal. I’ve explained everything respectfully.”

The exchange ends with the officer once again stating that the man must return because he is legally inadmissible under Canadian regulations.