BajaNomad - Help Settle a Bet about Border Crossing

Help Settle a Bet about Border Crossing

DonBaja - 6-8-2007 at 02:27 PM

During our recent Baja trip a friend told me that when we cross the border back into the USA that the border agent enters your license plate as you pull up to their station, the information that comes up on his screen includes the length of time you have been in Mexico.

I can see them having information about how frequently you have entered the USA but as to having knowledge of the length of your stay in Mex on a particular trip I have to disagree with.

What come up on their screen as you prepare to cross the border back into the USA ?

I have a case of Pacifico riding on this.

woody with a view - 6-8-2007 at 02:30 PM

stands to reason your friend is correct (on the points you raise). heading south haven't you noticed the cameras pointing at you/your license about 100 yards before you cross into mexico?

big brother know more than you think he does!

DENNIS - 6-8-2007 at 02:34 PM

How would they know when you crossed the border into mexico and why would anybody care if they did know, which I don't believe they do.

Probably looking for stolen cars and "wants and warrents" for the registered owner.

Who knows what they're doing?

DENNIS - 6-8-2007 at 02:36 PM

Woody ---

We cross posted.

I don't see cameras at Tecate.

woody with a view - 6-8-2007 at 02:41 PM

refering to tj. they are the same lookig cameras that (i feel) take your license plate foto for the u.s. guard so he doesn't have to manually type it in (like they did in them olden days)!

Iflyfish - 6-8-2007 at 03:03 PM

DonBaja,
Why would you believe that they did not have that info? I would assume that they have that information and a whole lot more.

I recently read of a Canadian Psychotherapist, author, who wrote of his experience using LSD in the seventies as a part of ongoing research into the subject and it's potential use in Psychotherapy. He was refused admission to the USofA for ever due to this history. The border guard apparently did a google search on his name and found the reference. No more coming to the USofA to visit his adult children. No more coming to the USofA to present at any conferences, trainings etc.

If you don't think big brother is watching you, think again. If you can conceive of what they are looking for, assume that it is already there. Those are cameras, Xray machines and a whole lot more equipment that I and you do not yet know about. Those border crossing sites have some of the most sophisticated equipment that you could only imagine. I would hope that one day we could find out what is really there. Anyone sending links should get half of the beer you are sending me.

Ask your buddy to send me half the case and consider it cheap education.

Iflyfish

bajalou - 6-8-2007 at 03:21 PM

But they still have to walk to the back of my truck to get the license number (no front plate) and they often ask if I have a rear plate.

DanO - 6-8-2007 at 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by IflyfishIf you don't think big brother is watching you, think again. If you can conceive of what they are looking for, assume that it is already there. Those are cameras, Xray machines and a whole lot more equipment that I and you do not yet know about. Those border crossing sites have some of the most sophisticated equipment that you could only imagine. I would hope that one day we could find out what is really there.

Meanwhile, drugs are being run through tunnels virtually unimpeded. They can send a spaceship outside the solar system, but they can't detect huge tunnels on our own planet, virtually right under their noses? If I were a cynic, I'd say they're really not all that interested in finding the tunnels or stopping the flow of drugs.

toneart - 6-8-2007 at 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DanO

Quote:

Another cynical theory (mine) is that the equipment is more sophisticated and intelligent than the agencies that ordered them and use them.

Bob and Susan - 6-8-2007 at 05:15 PM

:lol:

you guys actually BELIVE the government takes a picture of all the plates as you leave the country :lol:

and they have a computer checking the plates as they return :lol:

no way!!!

think of the database required to do that
it's ALL perception...

they probably have a tape that is replaced every 24 hours and rotated every thirty days in the back room...VCR if they are lucky...BETA if they are NOT :lol:

at the border they swipe your drivers license or passport
...wants and warrants come up if flagged

"thats all folks"
we aren't as "su-fist-icated" :lol:

as we act

Al G - 6-8-2007 at 05:21 PM

On a quick u-turn... Missed the the road to Ensenada...I was forced back across the border. The big boxes as you near the US border agent is a magnetic sensor. I was ask to pull over and wait for an inspector. The inspector walk directly to one of my bays and attempted to open it...when he could not, he yelled at me to open it. I did and his only comment was...[oh... they are propane tanks. I carry two 10 gallon, as out side backups...they obviously thought they were bombs. I do not believe they run your plates...maybe they do, but that would accomplish little, because most are Mexican and I don't think they are looking for US speeders.

[Edited on 6-9-2007 by Al G]

bajalou - 6-8-2007 at 05:22 PM

Well, I've crossed into US by auto about 18 times a year for 12 years. Only ONCE did they enter my drivers license into their system, The rest of the time nothing.

Except of course the time in Andrade when I was sent to secondary when they thought the rolled up sleeping bag under the back seat in my van might contain a dead body. Locked in a small room while the checked all this out.

DENNIS - 6-8-2007 at 05:34 PM

No. They do enter your plates. Front and back. I know.
A couple of years back, I drove a Toyota Celica and the front plate was way under the front of the car. Somehow, I had run into something, bending the front plate back to about a 45 degree angle. Twice, I was sent to secondary because the machines read the front and back plates differently, due to the angle. Nobody in secondary would even tell me what the problem was untill one inspector, who still had part of a heart, clued me in to the problem which I fixed by bending it back to the proper angle.

So, the plates are read. Both of them.

Al G - 6-8-2007 at 06:03 PM

Dennis, After thinking about it...it makes sense they read your license. "Common sense" would tell you "Don't use a plate that would get you into trouble"...I tend to forget how stupid criminals and "some" are.(mostly the young)
If I needed to cross the border...unlawfully...I would hi-jack a car of a Gringo that was similar to me. dispose of him...use his passport and cross. I knooow...I have been watching to much Supranos... :lol:

Bob and Susan - 6-8-2007 at 06:12 PM

remember his name isn't EVEN "dennis" :spingrin:

DENNIS - 6-8-2007 at 06:12 PM

Al ......

If you ever have to cross unlawfully, just walk a few miles east of the gates and follow the Snickers wrappers. They will lead you to the promised land.

DENNIS - 6-8-2007 at 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
remember his name isn't EVEN "dennis" :spingrin:

Now you've got me wondering.

Bob and Susan - 6-8-2007 at 06:14 PM

:lol:

:lol

k mohammund

WHY ?

MrBillM - 6-8-2007 at 06:15 PM

Would anyone care if they (Big BRO) KNOWS how long you have been in Mexico ? Do you intend to Lie about it ? Why ?

Al G - 6-8-2007 at 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Al ......

If you ever have to cross unlawfully, just walk a few miles east of the gates and follow the Snickers wrappers. They will lead you to the promised land.

Good to know...you never know...I may want to import a girlfriend...for a while...until she cost more then I have.
:lol:

DonBaja - 6-8-2007 at 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
Would anyone care if they (Big BRO) KNOWS how long you have been in Mexico ? Do you intend to Lie about it ? Why ?

A very suspecting group for such a simple question, and a very valuable wager. But I guess I should be careful about posting that I am betting because I could be breaking the law (sarcasim).

Look I just didn't believe they collected that much data on everyone that crossed into mexico. I can't fathom that the government has their sheet together that much.

Everyone get a fish taco and a couple beers and RELAX

Bob and Susan - 6-8-2007 at 07:36 PM

again...like mrbill says..

who cares what data the government collects

it doesn't even matter :saint:

amir - 6-8-2007 at 07:50 PM

I believe that it is VERY plausible that such data is being collected. It would not take a whole bunch of electronic equipment to maintain that database, and whatever it cost (and probably the price is astronomically inflated - but that's another issue), it would add to the budget of the Security agencies who will then get enough money from Congress to keep the program going. This system perpetuates the illusion that we are being protected as we pay for yet another government service that only benefits those who produce, control and maintain these administration's misguided policies.

Al G - 6-8-2007 at 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
:lol:

:lol

k mohammund

OK I am not in the loop...what the hell are you talking about...mohammund ???Does he play Basketball? :?:

Bob and Susan - 6-8-2007 at 08:06 PM

sorry al
private joke w/ "dennis" of ensenada

if that's his name....

bajabound2005 - 6-8-2007 at 09:37 PM

Bob & Susan: you're right; around these parts we call him ODD Dennis...(just kidding, Dennis, but we couldn't let this one just walk by!) :spingrin:

but he's still Dennis!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
remember his name isn't EVEN "dennis" :spingrin:

[Edited on 6-9-2007 by bajabound2005]

Bajafun777 - 6-8-2007 at 11:59 PM

Let's say just for fun the system takes what is shown on a license plate and puts that into a system with the date and time the vehicle license plate entered. Let's also say the system takes the same data on your way back into the U.S.A. Let's say it keeps that data and if your "Wanted" and that is the "Wanted" person's vehicle or let's say on "parole or probation" in a vehicle these agencies have given that license number to Homeland Security, because they are not suppose to be going into Mexico, then PoP goes the Weasel. The border officials detain them and local law enforcement comes and takes them directly to jail they do not collect any game monies for passing Go!! Sometimes government is not as dumb as some may think. Most times they can do even more difficult things than you ever dreamed of. Now Politicians are another story, dumb and full of uh of what word am I looking for :lol:

??????

Iflyfish - 6-9-2007 at 12:54 AM

I recently saw a documentary in which it was reported that the government gathered the names of ALL registerd guests in Las Vegas for a New Years Week end. They also reported on a very sophisticated telephone program, the one Alberto Gonzales went to the hospital to have Ashcroft, the hospitalized Attorney General of the USofA sign, when they knew that it would not pass legal mustard. He refused to sign it cooincidently.

I for one believe that there is much more info being gathered on us than we could ever suspect.

I hope that pacifico is fresh and that someone will come forward and tell us what bells and whistles they really have.

I know I once was stopped at the Canadian border crossing and asked to pay duty on the case of wine I had packed away in my trailer. Go figure!

They didn't figure that one out by the spider lines on my cheaks.

Iflyfish

Al G - 6-9-2007 at 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajafun777
Let's say just for fun the system takes what is shown on a license plate and puts that into a system with the date and time the vehicle license plate entered. Let's also say the system takes the same data on your way back into the U.S.A. Let's say it keeps that data and if your "Wanted" and that is the "Wanted" person's vehicle or let's say on "parole or probation" in a vehicle these agencies have given that license number to Homeland Security, because they are not suppose to be going into Mexico, then PoP goes the Weasel. The border officials detain them and local law enforcement comes and takes them directly to jail they do not collect any game monies for passing Go!! Sometimes government is not as dumb as some may think. Most times they can do even more difficult things than you ever dreamed of. Now Politicians are another story, dumb and full of uh of what word am I looking for :lol:

??????

When I entered (twice) one day, I did not see anything that appeared to be surveillance gear at the Mexican station(I was there awhile walking around). Let us say I missed it...so do you think the Mexican border people care enough to 1: collect info and 2: dutifully deliver to US customs so the US would know how long you were in Mexico???
Then I must ask, why do they ask me how long I was in Mexico...to catch me in a lie?? Sounds sort of silly to me if they already had that info....
The first time I returned I said 1 hour and was not inspected...second time when I cross back I said 4 and 1/2 months...they sent 4 guys to inspect my motorhome and I thought that was a quickie, because they really didn't look hard except in my freezer....I say all this to show there are systems in place that are based on my answers not on what they already know...thats my story and I am sticking to it :biggrin:

DENNIS - 6-9-2007 at 07:38 AM

Albert -------

The gate guards will ask any number of questions about any number of things and the answer isn't what's important to most of them.
"How long were you in Mexico?"
"How long were you in line?"
"Where were you born?"

What they look for is your condition while responding. Nervousness, poor concentration etc. If a person has to think, at length, about the year he was born, he may have something more serious occupying his mind at that moment, prompting a more thorough investigation.

Al G - 6-9-2007 at 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Albert -------

The gate guards will ask any number of questions about any number of things and the answer isn't what's important to most of them.
"How long were you in Mexico?"
"How long were you in line?"
"Where were you born?"

What they look for is your condition while responding. Nervousness, poor concentration etc. If a person has to think, at length, about the year he was born, he may have something more serious occupying his mind at that moment, prompting a more thorough investigation.

Boy...I guess he didn't like my condition...I was a little frazzled after being sent to Otay and got lost(never been there before) then 1 1/2 hrs. in line with my heater running to keep my engine cooler then when I get there my mirrors would not fit between their damn post and there were no signs to warn me....yeah my condition was not great... :lol:

There must be a truck crossing somewhere....I did not see any signs for that either :mad:

Cannot wait to do it again so I can see Baja. :biggrin:

Bajafun777 - 6-9-2007 at 08:42 AM

Al G it is not the Mexican side that has the system but the American side as your leaving the U.S. and entering into Mexico. U.S. would not depend on Mexico for this kind of exchanging of information for reasons we all know. From the border U.S. has cameras system that can see into Mexico for quite a ways and all around the Port. These Marchers that protest by the Ports oh what fools they are as they are on digital and U.S. has system that can put physical faces to people they have had booking process in the pass. Again, do not sell the U.S. government short on what tech they have and you have more security than you will ever know but as with all things nothing is 100% however it just keeps getting better and better. Later---bajafun777

Al G - 6-9-2007 at 09:02 AM

Thanks Bajafun777...it does make sense, but way over the top spying on Americans leaving on vacation. I really do not care, as I have nothing to hide...just can not see the necessity.

tjvagabundo - 6-10-2007 at 01:23 AM

License plate numbers are captured when leaving and entering the US. The CBP wouldn't put the cameras up for nothing. If you have ever driven by one of these cameras going into Mexico it's obvious that they start taking pictures when the motion of your car is detected.

The CBP calls the technology that does this license plate reader (LPR). Here are two links to information on the LPR system. The second link from the oregon state police is more in depth.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/CustomsToday/2001/December/custoday_lp...

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGkkCcr2tGb.4ARSdXNyoA;_ylu=X3oD...

According to Wikipedia the data from the CBP LPR system is maintained for 1 year.

Gnome-ad - 6-10-2007 at 03:31 AM

Two years ago when a friend of ours was crossing the border north caravanning with a friend, he was asked the typical – “Did you buy anything while in Mexico?” He honestly answered that he had bought some beer and pointed to it behind the passenger seat of his pick up which had a camper on the back. The officer informed him he had “too much beer” – twice the limit he should. I forget how much was too much. Our friend said he was caravanning with the guy behind him and asked if he could he give half of the beer to him.

Evidently his friend had carried some illegal substance across the border before and had gotten caught. As soon as he said he was caravanning with the vehicle behind him he was told to go to secondary as was his friend. He said it was because they check the license plates and run them against a data base. As it turns out he had gone over a particularly bad tope on the way up and the inside of his camper looked like it had been put through a blender. He said they looked in there and decided it would be more trouble than it was worth to go through all of his gear from a six week camping and fishing trip. He still had to wait while they totally tore apart his friend’s rig. They did not find anything since his friend had decided not to be stupid again.

My daughter’s husband used to be regularly pulled out of line whenever they were boarding planes and have his bags searched thoroughly, be patted down, etc. She said it felt like he must fit some profile or something because it was every time. Turns out he shares the same name as someone the government has labeled an “eco-terrorist” who is just now being sentenced for something he did. My son-in-law has not been pulled out of line since this guy’s arrest. Perhaps just co-incidence.

I would venture that the government is interested in who crosses the border south – that is to say they might want to apprehend criminals before they leave the country – and also interested in who is entering the country from the south – that is to say they might want to apprehend criminals coming back into the country. As far as do they care how long you’ve been away I really can’t imagine that they care. How could they prove that you didn’t come north and go south over and over in many different vehicles with many different people? But then again, they might care for some obscure and inane reason that would be beyond my imagining. My ex worked at the NSA when in the military many years ago. The government knows more about all of us than I like to think about.

CaboRon - 6-10-2007 at 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart

Another cynical theory (mine) is that the equipment is more sophisticated and intelligent than the agencies that ordered them and use them.

Toneart, I like your answer, and I don't find it cynical. You may be closer to the real situation than you think. CaboRon :lol:

bajalou - 6-10-2007 at 09:36 AM

Quote:

I would venture that the government is interested in who crosses the border south – that is to say they might want to apprehend criminals before they leave the country –

The cameras are located where they are unable to stop the departing car. At least at both Mexicali crossings.

aquaholic - 6-10-2007 at 11:32 AM

Dennis was right a few posts back...they're interested in your demeanor at the border. And, they're not waiting until you're in the booth to check on you. You've all seen the bank of glass over the inspection booths at San Ysidro. Those are not all offices...there are rooms set up with officers watching the vehicles waiting in line. They also have directional microphones to listen to conversations IN the vehicles. It's probably more sophosticated that we can imagine, and it's a dangerous job.

Bob and Susan - 6-10-2007 at 11:38 AM

at the border....
inspectors can listen to conversations without a court order
and
"that's ok with me"

make sure you have your id ready!!!

DENNIS - 6-10-2007 at 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by aquaholic
You've all seen the bank of glass over the inspection booths at San Ysidro. Those are not all offices...there are rooms set up with officers watching the vehicles waiting in line.

That's right. I've seen them up there with spotting scopes. It's not like they're trying to hide from anybody.

Bob and Susan - 6-10-2007 at 12:00 PM

just watch out if you see the "red dot" :lol:

DENNIS - 6-10-2007 at 12:05 PM

The red dot would be the last thing you saw.

Al G - 6-10-2007 at 12:21 PM

:lol:

This is getting better and better!!!

Gnome-ad - 6-10-2007 at 04:11 PM

:lol:

Good one, Dennis.

Demeanor, yes. Look calm, talk about the grandkids and how hot it is sitting in the car waiting. At the TJ crossing last year all I could seem to talk about was how many enormous plastic beer mugs one van could possibly purchase from the guy running back and forth to the store. No, wait, now they're buying oversize plastic Tinker Bells! What the hey? Those folks had really BAD taste in souvenirs ...

osoflojo - 6-11-2007 at 12:46 PM

In God we trust.......... all others we keep under surviellance.

DENNIS - 6-11-2007 at 01:09 PM

So, at this point of critical discussion, what's up with DonBaja's wager for a case of Pacifico? Does he win or lose?

sorry

woody with a view - 6-11-2007 at 01:19 PM

DENNIS - 6-11-2007 at 01:40 PM

The votes are pouring in, folks. Not sure our technology is up to the task but, we have the count at:

1----ZIP

Thanks Woody.

Mexitron - 6-11-2007 at 08:54 PM

Taco de Baja and I were in the Seven Sisters one summer when some Feds in a Humvee pulled up. At that moment we were building a BBQ pit with the beach rocks but they must have thought we were building a signal flare for drug runners--when we got back to the US Customs we were put into secondary immediately--no questions asked. We figured the Feds had radioed our license plate to the border and the Customs database/laser scope was sophisticated enough to nab us. It was a two hour wait in secondary to see if we were sweating, not finding anything they let us on our way. So Big Brother even has eyes deep in Mexico.

DENNIS - 6-12-2007 at 06:20 AM

Mexitron ----

I have difficulty believing there is that level of cooperation between our countrys.

Bajafun777 - 6-12-2007 at 10:05 PM

Dennis, we do not need Mexico's cooperation to watch both sides of the border with our camera systems. Cameras are positioned all the way down the border fence. There are times when the face does not come out real clear however they can just blow them up making the picture bigger. These cameras help I.D. who people are that are fighting border patrol agents in the immediate border fence aread. Further, it helps I.D. those individuals that are throwing things over the border fence either at border patrol agents or citizens in the community. Just another hard day in the pack rat group but we still have coices. Later----------bajafun777

TMW - 6-13-2007 at 07:38 AM

In 93 I had my 91 chevy PU stolen. I turned it in to the Mexican insurance and CHP in CA and was told by CHP it would take 7-10 days before it got into the system. That was on a Tuesday. The truck was found the following Sunday and I went to TJ on Monday to get it. When I approched the Otay border crossing the guard put the license number in several times like he couldn't believe what was coming up. All the while he was talking to the car in front of me he was watching me with his hand on his gun. I keep my hands on the wheel as he motioned me forward to him. He never took his eyes off me. When he walked up I explained it was my stolen truck and had the papers on the seat. He cautioned me to pull forward and stop and not move while he closed the gate behind. He then cautioned me to move with him while he walked to secondary. He again cautioned me to stay in the truck while he went inside to check the papers and call the San Diego police. About an hour later after talking to the police I was on my way home.

I don't think they automatically enter your license when leaving the country. I think any cameras are for survailence(sp) only. It would be rather hard to get a clear rear license with a lot of cars backed up bumper to bumper going south.

[Edited on 6-13-2007 by TW]

tjvagabundo - 6-13-2007 at 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TWI don't think they automatically enter your license when leaving the country. I think any cameras are for survailence(sp) only. It would be rather hard to get a clear rear license with a lot of cars backed up bumper to bumper going south.

If the cameras were for surveilance only then why do they have 2 cameras for each lane mounted in opposite directions? Sure when traffic is backed up then it would be more difficult to capture a plate number but how often is the traffic backed up going south? Usually, around 21 to 22 hours each day, the area where the cameras are located is wide open with no traffic.

Asi, asi

Gypsy Jan - 6-13-2007 at 05:58 PM

The border at San Ysidro going north is what it is
...and so is the kind of interrogation you will undergo.

I have no front id plate on my car. After a traffic accident fifteen years ago where a semi rearended and sent me to the hospital, my kids bought me a non-DMV vanity license plate to celebrate the sturdiness of the car that saved my life.

I have been crossing the border at San Ysidro, weekly, monthly or quarterly for more than eight years.

Sometimes the agent gets out of his booth to check my rear license and type it in. Otherwise, its the regular, "What are you bringing back from Mexico?" question.

What's on my side is that I answer honestly without elaboration, because being chatty and/or nervous sends up the antennas.

What works for me is to say a greeting, along the effect of, "Hi, how are you today?". Then I wait for any questions. Mostly I it''s "I bought this and that, here are the receipts." or ,"I am bringing nothing back from Mexico."

Next, if asked my destination, "Going home." And I supply the address promptly if asked.

Also, "Thank you." as you leave is always a good idea.

woody with a view - 6-13-2007 at 06:03 PM

Quote:

Next, if asked my destination, "Going home." And I supply the address promptly if asked.

reminds me of the joke-

a guy get's pulled over on the freeway by the CHP. when the cop asks, "where you going?'

the guy points directly ahead, "that way!" you know, with the flow of traffic?

bajalou - 6-13-2007 at 07:01 PM

Downtown Mexicali crossing today about noon - Agent asks for my drivers license, then asks if I have a rear plate, I say "Yes" and he walks to the rear and notes the plate number, then entered something in his computer, gave me back my license and waved me on. If these cameras were doing what people talk about, why does he have to walk around and look at the plate? I have AZ plate which doesn't issue front plates. This happens every time I cross at either Mexicali crossing and Andrate.

Bajafun777 - 6-13-2007 at 10:34 PM

bajalou, driving into Mexico rear plate---coming back into the USA front plate. Believe me I been involved with their camera systems and they can see a long way off and with fisheye cameras you have a wide span of vision

. The night vision abilities of these agencies are just beyond belief. Like the big bad wolf said when asked about his eyes being so big
"the better to see you my dear." Our borders are getting better with detering crime but crime does not give up and just keeps coming at the officers on the border. Never a dull moment and never a quiet day, as every day is an adventure!!! Have a good one----bajafun777

Mexitron - 6-14-2007 at 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Mexitron ----

I have difficulty believing there is that level of cooperation between our countrys.

We subsidize the war on drugs down there...or at least we used to. Don't you remember some years ago all the nice new Humvees...? We bought those for the Feds.

Mango - 6-14-2007 at 10:29 AM

I worked for a webcam development company in the late 90's and up to just a bit past 911. I can tell you that most people would be shocked if they knew the capabilities and the number of cameras in the world today.

You can easily take a image of a license plate and turn it into alpha-numerical data and run it though a database. (Think about it .. all license plates in USA/MEXICO are the same format/size/location.. pretty easy..) My boss was working on a system to pass a singular license plate from camera to camera (track a car down a freeway, etc...)

After 911 my work went from documenting large construction projects to big brother tasks.. so I left. I have no problem working for my government and supporting them; but, I guess I am old school and support privacy and our 4th amendment so I quit.

I cross at Mexicali often since mi novia lives here. Sometimes I get many questions (fine with me), sometimes they don't scan my passport.. sometimes they do. I don't think they care that I have been in Mexico for x amount of time. They just care if I am a threat or bringing something to the USA that I should not. That is fine with me..it is their job.

If we need cameras anywhere in the USA, it should be at the borders. It is a technology that is here and is usable. It should have some checks to its power in everyday use; but, our borders is one place it does/could really help.

My father worked on top secret aircraft during the viet namm war that had capabilities beyond what most people would think is possible today. Just think.. the stealth planes are 30 years old!

"If you don't do it, someone else will. When you do it, at least you have a little control over how it is done. You can try to make sure it is done right." -My father

/\/\ango

amir - 6-14-2007 at 11:32 AM

So is the bet that started this thread settled yet? What happened to that case of Pacifico?

We know now that there are cameras at the border. We know the plates are entered in the computers and everything is logged somewhere.

Why? Because Big Brother is watching. Big Brother wants to know everything about everybody. It justifies billions of dollars spent on a War on Terrorism and War on Information to "pevent future attacks".

It is all spelled out in the Patriot Act, and each year it gets more and more invasive. I don't have any problems with information being gathered about who or what length of time somebody leaves the USA; I am more bothered by the reasons of why Big Brother needs to know what books I checked out at the local library or what movies I rented at the video store. How can a "free" country justify that incursion into privacy?

--Amir

David K - 6-14-2007 at 11:41 AM

Don't you live in Mexico now? That should have given you all the privacy from Uncle Sam you needed.

Something to think about :

If they started showing the twin towers burning again and people chosing to jump to their deaths instead of burning alive, maybe all possible methods to track terrorists would be more acceptable? How soon we forget the horror experienced by the innocent people on those planes or on the ground that died that day because we weren't more observant of subversive activity.

America is worth saving...

bajaguy - 6-14-2007 at 11:41 AM

The cameras scan plates as you leave and reenter the US. The plates are run against a "wanted & stolen" list and also a "watch" list. If you are leaving, they can pinpoint the date and time you left. If you are entering, and your plate is on a "wanted, stolen or watch" list, you will certainally have an unforgettable experience. This is not new technology, it has been around for several years. In fact, some law enforcement agencies have the scanners mounted on patrol cars.........now let's drink the beer!!!!! :lol: