traffic checkpoints in the rio grande valley

Yesterday the dps started doing traffic checkpoints thry post up on the side of streets make u get in line ask for driver license and insurance they have border patrol there too. They have been taking illegal people since yesterday. Can they do this? Im scared

Yes, they can. I am in the same situation, they've placed one yesterday and one today close to where I live. As far as I've seen with some photos posted on FB, they do have immigration officers on some.

I went to Brownsville today there was no checkpoints but anyhow I'm not afraid.

Got stopped the first day this happened. They only asked for drivers license and insurance which i had no problems. I dont know if they ask for any identification if someone is with you. And yeah rafaela there is no need to be afaid, but Im guessing we all have families that are undocumented and for those are which we are afraid.

They always do that where i live, most of the time i do a quick U turn and once i see them get on their cars with the sirens on, I'm pretty far where i can do a few right and left turns and into an alley.

They always have struggle finding me, which they havent to this point.

The reason why we are surprised is because we had never had those before. Some people claim it's because they're on a 'manhunt' for someone, some say it's because they want to arrest illegals, I am just sure they aren't really doing it for the 'common good' (after all, having a license does NOT mean someone can drive safely).

The thing some of you that don't live here need to realize, is that they're being put out on places with a population with lower income (most of the cases, NOT all), where you know people don't have money (which does not excuse not having insurance) or are illegal.

Now, are they legal? Yes (at least in Texas). Are they constitutional? Well, I don't think so, but there has been no case like this (there was one, but it wasn't really about roadblocks/checkpoints). The ironic part is that the state doesn't allow illegals to get DLs, yet, they want the money from the fines. America's double-standards at their best.

Actually it happened in 2010 it was the same scenario and the checkpoints lasted for about a month.

Really? I don't remember that (maybe it wasn't that close to me?). Either way, now for the first time I am scared of driving, and I haven't been approved yet.

So as far as you guys know this is only happening in Texas? I was reading an article about Texas obtaining more debt, so maybe they're doing this in order to fine people and get more money. I'm not sure it's just all speculation. I pray and hope for the best for you guys!

Like I said above, some said it was because of a man hunt, but the DPS released a statement saying that it's because the region is known for bad driving, high rate of fines for no DL or insurance, or whatever, so who knows. Since immigration isn't involved, it is purely about the fines associated of now having DL or insurance.

The thing is, like I said above, it's mostly done in poor areas (yes, this area isn't known for being 'rich', but there are areas where people are poorer than average), which are far from the big cities such as McAllen, and so, there is no public transportation available. I would gladly give up driving IF there were buses that would go from my house to work and school, but guess what, that doesn't happen.