[SeeSac]

I haven't flown international into CVG, but I think the reason the guy had to go through security is that Customs is in Concourse B and to get to baggage claim you have to go through the rest of Terminal 3 which is a secure area.

When you arrive from an international flight, you have to pick up your baggage BEFORE going though customs. Looking at the link, the security check is required for those that are continuing on connecting flights but since they are co-mingled with those that are leaving the airport, all are checked.

http://www.cvgairport.com/terminals/abroad.html

[USNBandit]

When I said baggage claim it was just because that was where he got dumped.

Bullet six of your post answers the real question. When you are done with Customs you have to transit a secure area to get to the exit of the airport. Even if you aren't connecting they have baggage service from Customs to the exit of the terminal.

This screening of a passenger that isn't connecting is more an issue with a weird terminal setup than anything else.

Domestically, I've made some amazingly short connections through that airport.