Let's do a quick example;
When I go outside for a run, I carry no identification on me. The only thing in my pockets is my house key, end of story. Legally, an officer can not randomly acost me and throw me in jail because I can't prove I am who I say I am. At least, that's how things are in Canada.
Yes they can. if there was a robbery, rape or other crime committed, they can lock you up until you can produce documentation. They can do it just for the hell of it on a "suspicion". "He was drinking your honor". In none of those cases would you be convicted of a crime, but you would be locked up.
Under the law in Arizona, if I were to go for the same leisurely jog?
Yes, and easier. In canada, they do not have a law that explicitly forbids racial profiling. In Arizona they do.
Well, I'd probably be fine. Since I'm a white guy in a running outfit, the chances that a cop is going to even stop me is slim to none. However, if I were latino that would be a bad idea. And, as with all things in life, the proof is in the pudding. And that would be;
"A Latino truck driver outside Phoenix was taken into custody by law enforcement at a weigh station. He pulled in to have the truck looked at, was apparently approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and asked for ID. He showed them his commercial driver’s license. They asked him for more ID. He told them his social security number. They cuffed him took him to the central office in Phoenix and called his wife to bring his social security card and birth certificate. The truckdiver is identifying himself to media only as “Abdon” and he is an American citizen born in the USA.
The ICE agents said this was all just standard procedure"
http://coloradoindependent.com/52039/the-new-birthers-arizona-truck-driver-arrested-forced-to-show-birth-certificate
You would be fine as a white guy running down the street in a black neighborhood after a reporting of a shooting by a white guy? (actually just think non-black)? Does not seem to be the case in NYC in 2003. But then why confuse the issue with facts? I can come up with as many anecdotal stories as you.
Oh, and I would like to see the rest of the story. Because my BIL was driving home and was approaching a Border patrol station when he realized he had forgotten his wallet in his hotel room. He did a u-turn to go back to retrieve it. needless to say, he was pulled over. But after explaining the situation to the agents, he was allowed to go on his way with a warning (illegal u-turn).
My BIL? More Mexican than Vincente Fox.
