The Problem
Much of U.S. Population Affected
Outdated Legal Authority and Lack of Oversight
Part of a Broader Problem
Read the ACLU factsheet on Custom and Border Protection's 100-mile zone Tell Congress: Don't fund Trump's border troopsWhen was 100The regulations establishing the 100-mile border zone were adopted by the U.S. Department of Justice in 1953—without any public comments or debate. At the time, there were fewer than 1,100 Border Patrol agents nationwide; today, there are over 21,000.
What's the 100The federal government defines a “reasonable distance” as 100 air miles from any external boundary of the U.S. So, combining this federal regulation and the federal law regarding warrantless vehicle searches, CBP claims authority to board a bus or train without a warrant anywhere within this 100-mile zone.
What is the purpose of border checkpoints?At checkpoints, Border Patrol agents screen vehicles to identify people who may be in the U.S. unlawfully. Agents may also enforce U.S. criminal law, such as by seizing illegal drugs or executing outstanding warrants.
Why was the Border Patrol created?The Border Patrol was officially established on May 28, 1924 by an act of Congress passed in response to increasing illegal immigration. As mandated by this Act, the small border guard in what was then the Bureau of Immigration was reorganized into the Border Patrol.
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