DETROIT (AP) — Michigan-based immigrant and civil rights groups are suing the U.S. government, arguing that the zone where border agents can conduct warrantless searches to prevent illegal entry is too broad.
The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center and American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed the federal lawsuit Wednesday.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are empowered to check anyone within 100 miles of an international border. The lawsuit says the agency considers the entire state of Michigan to be within 100 miles of the Canadian border or one of the Great Lakes, which function as international borders.
The lawsuit seeks specific information on where and how far from the border stops occur and why agents are stopping many people who are in the U.S. lawfully.
Border officials declined comment, citing “pending litigation.”
