Written by I did not realize that the Border patrol has expanded from checking ferries going to San Juan Islands, to now checking state residents at random on Highway 101.
If they find someone with drugs in a random checkpoint search, I don’t know how they expect the case to hold up under the Fourth Amendment. Since random police searches goes against our most cherished beliefs, I think these agents should instead be stationed at the port of Seattle– perhaps looking for dirty bombs in shipping containers. That is much scarier to me, their findings will be worth something (not tossed by a judge), and the agents won’t be inconveniencing and bothering state residents who are going about their business.
Here is a quote from the story:
“They say the reason for the checkpoints is to root out terrorist activity, drug runners and other illegal activity. So far there have been 16 arrests due to the roadblocks, and 14 have been immigration related.”
I notice they just talk about arrests, not convictions…because there won’t be any convictions unless those arrested don’t know their rights.
To see the whole story …Click here
Department of Homeland Security checkpoints along the Washington/Canadian border may be inconvenient and unconstitutional, but they help protect us from the dangerous Canadians…with their funny words, their beer, and their jelly donuts
We had a rally against the checkpoints in Port Angeles today, a lot of people were really supportive and everything went smoothly. I’m sure there’s more in the pipe.
Thanks for backing the ‘freedom movement’.
-Sarah
They’re not looking for terrorists, and they know it. They’re doing widespread searches for illegal immigrants from Latin American countries. One might remember that even Ahmed Ressam had a legitimate passport (albeit under a fake name) and that the 9/11 terrorists had been living here legally under student and business/tourist visas. Regardless of one’s views on illegal immigration, the document that set up the framework of our country some 200 years ago specifically says that, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Seeing a lack of probable cause to stop random passersby, I consider this an example of illegal search and seizure, and it makes me sick that my beloved state is condoning such behavior.
Crap!
There goes my cheap drugs and cheap produce!
Hi Randy, thanks for supporting us. BTW my Parents live in Renton. 😉
Constitution
Constitution Week is 9/17-9/23! Thanks for posting this story and importance of the 4th Amendment. Everyone should dust off a copy of the Constitution and read the personal liberties we enjoy as a result of this great document. With the presidential election just around the corner, it’s also good to read the section on how the president and vice president are elected and what their responsibilities are. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been invited to participate in city council meetings at so many local cities to talk about Constitution Week and hear citizen concerns. Quite an honor. Thanks for such a timely posting, Randy!
Elizabeth
Right to be left alone
If you are driving a safe car in a safe manner- you should not be pulled over.
The Hood Canal Bridge checkpoint location is nowhere near an international border.
http://tinyurl.com/5anb4p
Re: Right to be left alone
>>A new generation is accustomed to being yanked around- their leash is not held by terrorists or foreign governments.
Very true!