OTTAWA, July 16 (UPI) -- U.S. Army deserter Robin Long was deported from Canada Tuesday and immediately arrested when he crossed into the United States, authorities said.
The 25-year-old native of Boise, Idaho, is believed to be the first deserter from the Iraq war the Canadian government has sent back to the United States, the New York Times reported.
The Federal Court of Canada rejected Long's request to let him stay in the country pending further appeals, the Times said. Two other U.S. deserters have been allowed to remain in Canada while they appeal.
A U.S. border protection official in Blaine, Wash., said Long was processed there, rather than at the main crossing at the Pacific Highway, to avoid any protesters.
Maj. Nathan Banks, a spokesman for the U.S. Army, said Long would be returned to Fort Knox, Ky., for disciplinary procedures, which could include prison time.
Long joined the Army in 2003 and fled to Canada with his partner and two children in 2005.
