In light of suspicionless Homeland Security checkpoints being conducted in the interior of the country, the story depicted below is especially disturbing. It appears that well over 100 U.S. Citizens were recently discovered sitting in Homeland Security Detention facilities around the country awaiting deportation orders after being denied access to counsel.
According to the organization that conducted the 2006 study, the 125 individuals idenitifed as having credible claims of U.S. citizenship are most likely just the tip of the iceberg given the huge number of individuals detained every year.
A quote from ICE spokeswoman Kice sums up the current state of affairs:
"The burden of proof is on the individual to show they're legally entitled to be in the United States"
Keep in mind that this story isn't about individuals attempting to enter the country. This story is about individuals already here. As such, let the implications of that statement sink in for just a minute....
"The burden of proof is on the individual to show they're legally entitled to be in the United States"
Now imagine taking a stroll around your neighborhood. Perhaps you're out walking your dog or just hiking over to the nearest grocery store. Suddenly you're approached by burly men in green uniforms with guns and federal badges who demand that you prove your citizenship.
Don't think it could happen? You may want to ask residents in and around Phoenix, San Diego, & Los Angeles whether or not it could happen.
I guess that simple question regarding citizenship status being imposed on travelers absent reasonable suspicion in the interior of the country away from any international border isn't quite so simple after all.
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