The border has a general mandate for search. If they want to search it, they can search it. Searches of this sort are rare, but seemingly well supported in law. Unfortunately, IIRC this power also extends about 50mi from any land border, enabling vehicle searches waaaay past the "border".
If the South wall is put into place, it might be possible to justify reducing the margin in which they can conduct searches without warrant, but at the moment it's a crucial tool both practically and in the minds of those charged with defending the border.
Sadly, a considerable number of people in the U.S. are dead set against the wall, and don't understand that the requirement for ladders and climbing makes non-customs crossings more conspicuous and time-consuming, making unpredictable and regular patrols considerably more effective whether or not the wall proves to be a total impasse.
"Sadly, a considerable number of people in the U.S. are dead set against the wall, and don't understand that the requirement for ladders and climbing makes non-customs crossings more conspicuous and time-consuming, making unpredictable and regular patrols considerably more effective whether or not the wall proves to be a total impasse."
> Why do walls marking national boundaries proliferate amid widespread proclamations of global connectedness and despite anticipation of a world without borders? Why are barricades built of concrete, steel, and barbed wire when threats to the nation today are so often miniaturized, vaporous, clandestine, dispersed, or networked?
Because some specific threats, specifically to sovereignty, can be deterred, retarded, and/or prevented by a wall.
If the South wall is put into place, it might be possible to justify reducing the margin in which they can conduct searches without warrant, but at the moment it's a crucial tool both practically and in the minds of those charged with defending the border.
Sadly, a considerable number of people in the U.S. are dead set against the wall, and don't understand that the requirement for ladders and climbing makes non-customs crossings more conspicuous and time-consuming, making unpredictable and regular patrols considerably more effective whether or not the wall proves to be a total impasse.