Can I stop people who I think are here in the USA illegally and question them?

SirCharles

No one can stop you from asking a question.

Of course, asking this question might not be in your best interest, especially if the person really is one.

Unless you have solid proof that a person is illegal, it's a good idea to keep your distance. Your cause is noble, but you should focus more of your energy and attention on the border issue.

S A

You can question a person's citizenship status all you want. They of course do not have to answer you and you have no legal standing to detain (most like you'd be brought up on illegal detention or kidnapping charges). However, if you know someone is here illegally (through your own discovery or their admission) then you can inform the proper authorities.

While private citizens do not have the backing of the government to investigate a crime, there is nothing that says you can not do so. This is a free nation after all. Provided you do not violate any laws in the process you are more than able to look into someone's criminal activity (this include immigration status). There are even certain advantages, only the government is bound by the Bill of Rights, most courts have backed arrests based on tips by citizens that have conducted their own "investigation".

Doclester

The best answer to your question is try to do it. We will see if you succeed and how many enemies you will make.

dahorndogd013

No, you can't because then you will be arrested, for impersonating a police officer, or whatever, and also for unlawful restraint, you can and most likely would also be sued in court for emotional distress, that you cause, so stop pretending or thinking your something your not, cause all your going to end up doing is getting your own sorry a** in trouble

Sikh

illegal or legal, if you ask them, thay would take it as a direct hit to their personal liberties.

Frank Castle

That is a good way to get yourself killed.

"Live and Let Die" - Sir Paul McCartney.

tonalc1

No. You can only do a "citizen's arrest" if you have viewed a crime.

Ferret

Well, you could walk up to me and ask if you thought I was an 'illegal'

Then I would tell you to pi** off

3D Farms

Si , why not , it's a free country isn't it . Just ask him , la migra here ?
And see what happens .

steven p

damn immigrants. Just yell out la migra and see if they start to run.

dewdropinn

You can if you want to get sliced. You're asking for trouble. Just mind your own business. That would be the best option.

Miss Interpreted

HAhahaha! Um..thats a good question, I wish we could but no I dont think so. The police probably wouldnt care that much - unless the personlmugged you or something..

Aircraft Killer

No, i am a police officer and I can tell you right now that i had a case out by wal-mart, where a mexican ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT stabbed a guy because he did exactly what you asked.

tansyangeni

you can get in touch with INS... or police

fubar1764

Of course you can!
Mind you, they can also look at your funny and move along. If you touch them, they can also bring you up on misdemeanor criminal charges.
It's a free country - you can harass anyone one you want and they to you!
Enjoy!

I wish I had the guts to do that...it would be fun!

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: