Researched by Leora Johnson and Alan Grady
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expanding the authority it claims at US border crossings to infringe upon Americans rights. The ACLU reports that a “Constitution-free zone” exists within 100 miles of all US borders (including ocean, great lake and gulf coasts), where DHS Customs and Border Patrol, claims the authority to stop, search, and detain anyone for any reason. Nearly two-thirds of the US population lives within 100 miles of this “border zone” that surrounds the US. It encompasses the vast majority of metropolitan areas and many entire coastal states. Of particular concern is the border patrol’s use of massive databases and watch lists to screen travelers. Much remains unknown about how these lists are compiled and it is exceedingly difficult for a person to be removed from such a list once he or she is added to it.
“ACLU highlights ‘Constitution-Free Zone’ 100 miles from border” Nick Juliano, rawstory.com 10/22/2008 http://rawstory.com//printstory.php?story=12443
“Constitution Free Zone: The Numbers” aclu.org
http://www.aclu.org/privacy/spying/37320res20081022.html