Posted by Curious on March 04, 2001 at 11:40:35:
In Reply to: GD bums Hasseled at the border posted by Governor on March 03, 2001 at 15:46:27:
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I have a couple of questions. I too have crossed hundreds of times, both on foot and in my car. Usually I get the "What country ?" "Thank you sir" and am waved thru. But I have also been patted down and had my pockets searched. So, I am always interested in why they do what they do... "This was the time Ive ever been hasseled coming back to the US in 2 years." Was there anything different about you this time? The way you were dressed, your bag, etc? "First they wanted to know whats in the bag, I yell out clothes and toiletries." Where exactly were you at this point? Before the INS inspector booth? Before the Xray machine? Were you clearly headed for the Xray machine, or did you look like you were going to bypass it? "So he says come over here and let me see." To your left or your right? Was it a Customs agent or an INS agent, or military (or even a cop)? <"...I have done nothing wrong, which I know I didnt." Unfortanutely, they don't need probable cause at the border. Congress (and the Constitution) has specifically given them added powers at the borders. "Dont they have anything better to do?" Such as? What they did was the job they are supposed to do. Examine anything they feel may be suspious. Also, while they won't admit this publically, they will do this as a preventive measure - a "show" if you will - so people see them doing their "job".
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