[steve86]

Yes, I see they were caught.

I guess they fit my “idiots” category.

[Robert357]

Shortly after midnight, federal agents contacted the group, interviewed them and determined they were not a terrorist or smuggling threat, Milne said. Driver fined But the driver broke a federal law by failing to report his entrance to the United States, Milne said. The Customs agents filled out the paperwork to seize the man's car, then fined him $5,000. The agents then reduced the fine to $500. The man paid the reduced fine and the agents filled out the paperwork to return his car, Milne said.

I would wager that the "federal" contact "after midnight" at the Port Angels hotel involved surveillance and armed confrontation of the "four." I would also wager that the impounding of the vehicle, involved a fairly detailed search prior to their deciding to release it.

I think that this story has a lot to be read between the lines.