Tags: Border  Homeland  Patrol  Police  Security  
Channel: Nonprofits & Activism
Uploaded: May 17, 2008 at 9:20 am
Author: CheckpointUSA
Length: 02:24
Rating: 4.88
Views: 8604
While driving to a remote work site late in the evening on May 14, 2008, I was targeted by a Federal Homeland Security Agent on roving patrol and followed for several miles along SR86 in Southern Arizona. After following me for some distance, the agent initiated a traffic stop absent reasonable suspicion along a deserted stretch of this unlit two lane highway. There were no developed shoulders along the side of the road making it impossible to completely pull out of the lane of traffic. Additionally, the presence of several blind curves in the area make for dangerous conditions, especially at night. Testifying to this fact are multiple makeshift crosses from roadside memorials in the area. SR86 is a public highway that runs East - West. It's also over 40 miles North of the international border with Mexico and never intersects the border at any point.When I first noticed the vehicle, it was the second one behind me and closely trailing the car in front of it. Aggressive and dangerous driving by DHS Agents operating in the area is not uncommon. At the time, I couldn't make out any markings so I wasn't sure if it was a DHS vehicle. It was riding high off the ground however with headlights and a rough outline resembling the commonly seen CBP vans & trucks in the area diverted from the border to target domestic traffic.After following me for several miles, the agent turned on his flashing red & blue lights and passed the vehicle in front of him. He stayed in the opposite lane until the distance between myself and the other car widened enough for his patrol vehicle to squeeze in behind me.I pulled over a short distance later and turned on my video camera. The agent's radio was on as he approached and I could hear someone state a 10-29 check on me had come back negative (check for wanted) followed by my name, a description of my vehicle and my address. Standing slightly back from the driver's side door, the agent said nothing as he shined his flashlight into my vehicle. With my camera up however, he began backing away a short time later. As he backed away, I asked him why he stopped me and what his name was. He stood behind my vehicle and said nothing. The second time I asked, the agent indicated he wanted me to roll my window down but otherwise refused to identify himself or the reason why he stopped me. Since he initiated the stop, his refusal to inform me as to who he was, why he stopped me, or even make any inquiries was very strange indeed.A few moments later, the agent went back to his vehicle and drove away without any explanation as to why he arrested my travels and invaded my privacy. Welcome to Checkpoint, USA