Quote Originally Posted by gaybucks_chip View Post
I've found US customs -- at least the secondary inspections people -- to be rude, inconsiderate, and offensive. Based on my own experiences, I get the impression that one has absolutely none of the normal constitutional protections against unreasonable search, the need for probable cause, etc., when one is entering the US.

I don't actually know that this is true, but from my (admittedly limited) experience, it certainly seems to be the case.

You are correct. There are very few constitutional protections at border crossings. You do not have the right to be free from searches and seizures, you do not have the right to free expression, and -- you do not have the right to an attorney.

You can be stopped, searched, and detained for any reason or no reason, with nobody to protect you.

I find it is best to be polite and courteous at customs. Of course, I also find the opportunity to mention that I am a former elected district attorney. At that point they usually hand my passport back to me and say, "Welcome back to the United States, Mr. Belville" :humble: