BajaNomad - Border Patrol US

Border Patrol US

Bielefeld - 2-23-2008 at 04:19 PM

When you return to the USA from Baja and the American Immigration and Agriculture Guys are checking your RV, are you allowed to stay in the RV and see what the patrol guy is doing???

The last time they didn't allow us to go with them in the RV. I really don't like them to be allone in there.

Who knows the rules and where can I find it in writing?? :?:

Corky1 - 2-23-2008 at 04:27 PM

If they don't let you stay in the RV while they are checking it I would not let them enter and ask for a supervisor.

They have the right to check your RV but you also have the right to observe. :fire:

Good luck!!

corky :lol:

Observing Searches

juangrandebigjohn - 2-23-2008 at 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bielefeld
When you return to the USA from Baja and the American Immigration and Agriculture Guys are checking your RV, are you allowed to stay in the RV and see what the patrol guy is doing???I had same problem with them with a van at Tecate,said just doing their job,I said ok,FINALLY got a supervisor,they threatened me with arrest,I threatenewd them with personal lawsuit,FINALLY got to observe from about 10 feet distant.

The last time they didn't allow us to go with them in the RV. I really don't like them to be allone in there.

Who knows the rules and where can I find it in writing?? :?:

DENNIS - 2-23-2008 at 04:49 PM

You do what they tell you to do.
How could you argue rights to people who have total control over you?
Why would you do that?
Let them play their game and get it over with. Indignation and "rights' will just pee them off. Let them have their abusive moment. It won't ruin the rest of your life.

Lessons Learned

MrBillM - 2-23-2008 at 05:44 PM

It's been about Twenty years since the last time I gave them any static about searching my Pickup truck/Camper.

They had me stand against the wall with my dog on a leash while they emptied every single item out of the truck bed and emptied the glove compartment contents onto the seat.

When they finished with that, they said "OK, you can go" and walked off. I left about thirty minutes later after reloading everything.

Point made.

I haven't felt the need for a reminder.

BajaHawk - 2-23-2008 at 06:14 PM

Maybe they like privacy when using your bathroom.

Don't forget to bring your toothbrush...

thebajarunner - 2-23-2008 at 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Corky1
If they don't let you stay in the RV while they are checking it I would not let them enter and ask for a supervisor.

They have the right to check your RV but you also have the right to observe. :fire:

Good luck!!

corky :lol:

Yep, tell 'em your rights,
stick up for yourself,
prepare to spend some time with them,
mebbe all night....

Barry A. - 2-23-2008 at 06:37 PM

-------it is very distracting and confusing to be doing a search when the "owner" is present--------

--------you are in THEIR ZONE when crossing the border, and they have a job to do------

Like I have ALWAYS told my kids-----do what the officer says with no backtalk, and you will be MUCH better off.

When you are in their zone, they call the shots, period.

barry

bancoduo - 2-23-2008 at 06:54 PM

Years ago I got sent to secondary to get a drug search by a dog. We were told to stand back from the van while the dog searched. unfortunately, we forgot that our dog was sleeping on the bed in the back of the van. He attacked the drug dog rendering him unable to perform his task :lol:

About 10hrs later they told us they were finished inspecting. All our belongings were on the inspection table, they ripped out all the paneling, took out the seats, pulled out all the cabinets, literally destroyed my van. **** ** **** *** ** ***** **** *** *** ****, **** ** ******.

[Edited on 2-24-2008 by Hose A]

CaboRon - 2-23-2008 at 08:02 PM

The last time I stood up for my rights while reentering the US was in 1965 at the Nogalas AZ crossing.

They sent me to secondary where they proceded to search my vehicle.

When they couldn't get the back seat out I was handed a crowbar and told to get that seat out and I quote "if it gets damaged, you will damage it".

I offered to let them keep the car, and I would just go on, but that didn't go over too well either.

Even presented my FM3 Work Visa and my passport and got a ration for showing my passport. It was a a bad day.

I always comply now and as my attorney said after the incident, "let them do whatever they want, do not argue your constitutional rights with the officer, let them make all the mistakes they want and I will argue those matters in court."

So now, it's yes sir and how far should I bend over :lol:

CaboRon

Barry A. - 2-23-2008 at 08:38 PM

Banco-------seems to me that you just proved my point.

CaboRon--------yep, it is painful, but you learned the lesson the hard way.

This may not be the way we want it, but it IS the way it happens, IMO, and no amount of b-tching is going to change it. Human nature in action. :light:

CaboRon - 2-23-2008 at 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
Banco-------seems to me that you just proved my point.

CaboRon--------yep, it is painful, but you learned the lesson the hard way.

This may not be the way we want it, but it IS the way it happens, IMO, and no amount of b-tching is going to change it. Human nature in action. :light:

Barry A,

You got that right !!!!

CaboRon

castaway$ - 2-23-2008 at 09:00 PM

I just play dumb and stand by the door looking in, if they say something- no habla espanol, if they get pushy it's time to tuck your tail, get back in your truck and smile.

CaboRon - 2-23-2008 at 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by castaway$
I just play dumb and stand by the door looking in, if they say something- no habla espanol, if they get pushy it's time to tuck your tail, get back in your truck and smile.

You say "no habla espanol" to US Customs officers ?

TMW - 2-24-2008 at 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
It's been about Twenty years since the last time I gave them any static about searching my Pickup truck/Camper.

They had me stand against the wall with my dog on a leash while they emptied every single item out of the truck bed and emptied the glove compartment contents onto the seat.

When they finished with that, they said "OK, you can go" and walked off. I left about thirty minutes later after reloading everything.

Point made.

I haven't felt the need for a reminder.

It would be interesting to load a bunch of junk in the bed of a PU and nothing in the glovebox and have them search it and take everything out then leave for you to put it back and you just drive off leaving the junk there. Then again they would probably chase you down and charge you with littering or something.

Barry A. - 2-24-2008 at 03:38 PM

TW------------I REALLY like that idea---------creative NOMADS-------love it!!!!

Barry

David K - 2-24-2008 at 05:07 PM

I think Corky1 was thinking of Mexican soldiers and not U.S. customs agents...?

I agree, never take your eyes off the soldiers when they rifle through your stuff, just in case...

The U.S. officers should be allowed to do their job, otherwise it may look like you are interfering with an investigation. They are part of Homeland Security, afterall! :light:

[Edited on 2-25-2008 by David K]

CaboRon - 2-24-2008 at 05:13 PM

As to the Mexican soldiers.... DO NOT leave valuables within their reach.......

CaboRon

Corky1 - 2-24-2008 at 06:38 PM

"I think Corky1 was thinking of Mexican soldiers and not U.S. customs agents...? "

David,
I was answering "Bielefeld" question about customs agents.

I agree they have a job to do but, acting like badge heavy Gestpo storm troopers :fire:

is not the way to get any sort of cooperation.

PS: I am a 20 year plus retired LEO.
PSS: I like TW's idea about a vehicle full of junk.

Corky :spingrin:

[Edited on 2-25-2008 by Corky1]