Interesting, I take it he was a US citizen though.
Like Izzy said, once your through customs/INS you can do what you want. Just avoid the line going to the connecting flights (which you usually have to go through security again depending on airport) and follow the line going to the taxi's.
Enjoy NYC!
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"One should not increase, beyond what is necessary, the number of entities required to explain anything"
William of Ockham (1285-1349)