Can immigration pull you over for speeding, like a regular cop would?

Question

I went to Mexico this last weekend, and noticed a lot of immigration cars on the highway, coming back from Mexico, and wondered this. I live in Arizona, so I know that highway patrol can pull you over for going over (75mph), its obvious, but what about immigration? Do they only have the right to pull you over if they think there is something suspicious (or illegal) in your car (like trafficking people)? Or can they also pull you over for traffic violations (on the highway)?

Answer 1

Federal agents such as the ICE (formerly USBP) can make traffic stops for violations that occur in their presence. In CA and AZ these officers have the power of arrest as a peace officer in those states when they observe a violation or have probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. However, they cannot generally issue traffic citations though they CAN call for the appropriate law enforcement agency to do so.

It's rare that the ICE will make a traffic stop for state or local speed violations, but if they do, treat them like you would any other law enforcement officer.

- Carl

Answer 2

Put it another way, an immigration patrol officer has his hands full without having to wait for hours at a local traffic court. He could pull you over for speeding but is likely to give you a warning and send you on your way.

I was once pulled over by a DC Airport Authority police officer in MD for going 85 in a 55. According to MD Law, he had no jurisdiction because his department is based out of VA and let me go with a verbal warning. I was scared to death afterward. The laws in your state may differ but Federal police generally have jurisdiction on Federally owned land (US Park Police can hand out traffic tickets on US Park owned roads and streets).

Answer 3

They can pull you over for no reason at all since this administration has done away with probable cause. And they can search your car, including using a narc dog. Sad times for freedom in the U.S. I've never seen a traffic ticket issued by INS, so can't answer that part of your question.

Answer 4

Unless you are clearly endangering other motorist by wreckless driving, or whatever, the immigration and federal people will not intervene in traffic offenses. These are state statue violations, which is the responsibility of state and city police to enforce.

Answer 5

I live in AZ too. I went to LA one time over night. I was going about 95mph, and I passed a border patrol car in the middle of the road. I almost freaked out, because I thought it was a cop! The guy didn't come after me though.