Joan Rivers seized by UK border guards as she films new TV show... after they mistook her for an illegal immigrant

US comedian stopped during a trip to Kent to visit the Countess Sondes
Balaclava-clad guards swooped after tip-off that her boat looked suspicious
She said: 'I am so sorry they didn't arrest us. I love Englishmen and they were very cute.'

PUBLISHED: 04:40 EST, 16 November 2012 | UPDATED: 13:56 EST, 16 November 2012

Comedian Joan Rivers was quizzed by a squad of balaclava-clad UK Border Agency officials - after being mistaken for an illegal immigrant.

Four guards swooped as the American star enjoyed a weekend fishing trip while filming her latest reality show.

The Border Agency officials had been alerted about a suspicious group of people on two fishing trawlers on the Swale Estuary in Kent - a well-known spot for attempts at illegal immigration.

Mistaken identity: Joan Rivers, pictured with her film crew, was recording an episode for her US reality television show during a visit to Lees Court Estate in Kent to see her friend the Countess Sondes

Mistaken identity: Joan Rivers, pictured with her film crew on a fishing boat, was recording an episode for her US reality television show during a visit to Lees Court Estate in Kent to see her friend the Countess Sondes

Sense of humour: Despite the mix-up Rivers, pictured with her daughter Melissa and members of her team, saw the funny side and was 'hilarious' throughout

Despite the mix-up, Rivers managed to hang on to her notorious sense of humour.

She said: 'Even though we were innocent I am so sorry they didn't arrest us. I love Englishmen and they were very cute.'

The 79-year-old was visiting her friend, and fellow New Yorker, the Countess Sones at the 6,900 acre Lees Court Estate in Faversham, Kent, which she owns.

Border Agency officers, dressed in black, quizzed Sondes, Rivers and her daughter Melissa who were filming Joan and Melissa, Joan Knows Best! for US television.

After the discussion the Border Agency allowed Rivers to go back to work.

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Lady Sondes said: 'Given the Lees Court Estate's close involvement with the Swale, it was a great comfort to know that the Border Agency acted in a pro-active, efficient and friendly manner.'

A spokeswoman for the estate added: 'It was all very dramatic. Joan was hilarious throughout the whole time she was with us.

'The Border Agency did not have the same sense of humour - they understandably took the situation very seriously.

'They were all dressed in black and were wearing balaclavas but you could still see their face - they were very efficient not the sort of people you would want to mess with.

'But they were very professional and did a fantastic job - it's great to know people like that are protecting our shores.'

Quizzed: Rivers and her daughter Melissa, pictured left, were quizzed before guards realised the mix-up

Tip-off: The estate said the Border Agency had been alerted about suspicious people in the estuary but a UKBA spokeswoman said it was a routine patrol

Hilarious: Rivers, pictured left with daughter Melissa, were filming for their US show, pictured right with her film crew, when they were stopped. The comedian wished she had been arrested because she 'loves Englishmen'

The UK Border Agency yesterday confirmed the incident on October 20, but denied they were acting on a tip off.

A spokeswoman said officers spotted the vessel while on routine patrol.

She said: 'Our officers will investigate any potential immigration or customs offences and take swift and robust action to ensure our borders remain secure.

'On October 20, 2012, whilst on routine patrol, Her Majesty's Cutter Vigilant approached a fishing vessel in the Swale Estuary, Kent.

'Border Force officers spoke with the captain of the vessel to establish ownership and number of passengers.

'After a short discussion, Border Force officers were satisfied the passengers and crew did not present a risk to the border.

'The search of any vessel in UK territorial seas and internal waters plays an important role in protecting the border.

'Presently there is no means of establishing, with any certainty, where a vessel has come from until Border Force officers have spoken to the captain, crew and in some cases boarded the vessel.

'In the vast majority of instances, officers will take no more than a few minutes to satisfy themselves as to whether a vessel presents a risk to the border.'

Patrol: A UK Border Agency boat patrols the south coast (file picture). An agency spokeswoman said searching vessels in UK waters is important to protect the our borders

'Swift and robust': The Border Agency, pictured during a separate raid on a yacht in Southampton, said they must investigate any potential offences to protect UK borders

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Nothing happened. The border enforcement agents did their job, and managed to provide Joan Rivers with good publicity and excellent material for her new jokes.... win-win situation, I say.

- Sir No Bull , SF, United States, 17/11/2012 08:04

Click to rate Rating 1

I see in England, just like America the only people who are stopped by border agents are white!

- noname , New York, United States, 17/11/2012 07:11

Click to rate Rating 6

I think you misspoke. She was mistaken as an ALIEN, not an illegal alien. How many facelifts has she had?

- PaulaP , Martinez, United States, 17/11/2012 05:54

Click to rate Rating 8

She is white, brings money into the country, only has one child , will not ask for a free house and benefits and will leave before her visiting time is up. Of course she will be harassed ! She is not our kind of visitor.

- Ruckus , over here, United Kingdom, 17/11/2012 00:23

Click to rate Rating 53

They will have a go at anyone who looks better than they do

- scifi , frankiefoot, United Kingdom, 17/11/2012 00:01

Click to rate Rating 21

Joan Rivers just wants to a Bond Girl. She's always fun.

- LN , Neverland, 16/11/2012 22:58

Click to rate Rating 33

exchanged for an illegal? I can understand the mistake, she looks very Senegalese. - dario, Italy, 16/11/2012 10:31*** I think a few commentators didn't understand your Socratic irony or your sardonic humour and gave you red arrows. Or it didn't matter to them literally.

- arikato , Orlando, United States, 16/11/2012 22:23

Click to rate Rating 22

December 21st will be the end of time as we know it. Repent now before its too late, God for gives everyone of their sins so please bow down to him and ask for forgiveness before time is up.

- Red Arrow Man , London, United Kingdom, 16/11/2012 22:21

Click to rate Rating 30

We have a border agency? Are you sure? Doesn't look like it from where I sit.

- Robbie , Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 16/11/2012 22:21

Click to rate Rating 43

Must have been her colour that alerted them otherwise she would be receiving benefits by now.

- awreethen , sheffield, 16/11/2012 21:03

Click to rate Rating 54

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