Like I said, powerless. None of the officials imprisoning an American family and separating the parents from their children could do anything about it if the law seems to maybe say so.
Not sure if serious . . . but oh well.
Seems to be conflicting information, but I believe post 911 that you have to (re) enter via a POE. Re-entry in a non POE, a subject, even if a citizen can be detained. Some sources hinting at detainment until a 3rd party, usually legal counsel can verify citizenship. Bureaucracy.