And what would be wrong with the police asking for ID in that scenario? If the police are taking statements following a “gun crime” it is reasonable to assume the statements could be used in the investigation. Wouldn’t it make sense to verify the identity of the people who are making the statements?
Ignorant Canadian checking in again
So far U.S. citizens do NOT require internal passports or government permission to move about.
Start with the requirement that, before anything can be done to investigate someone’s immigrant status, the person must first be lawfully stopped by the police. In such situations one of the first things the police will do is ask for identification and the type of identification one provides will likely go a long way in determining whether the police will subsequently ask for proof of legal residency. Despite all the hysteria, this really does seem rather benign.Ignorant Canadian checking in again
I have learned from this thread that a legal immigrant must carry their Green Card with them at all times. This seems to seem reasonable to people here (and sorry Jermosh, I’m not just responding to you here). Now, how would a police officer distinguish between someone who is required to carry a Green Card, and someone who is not?
Again, even if shall we say all persons above the age of eighteen were required to carry identification when out in public that doesn’t mean we need governmental permission to move about. I don’t see how the AZ law allows you to be searched unreasonably.
Probable cause is built into the law. You cannot be stopped without probable cause and you cannot have your immigration status checked without further probable cause. We have given up no freedoms whatever and certainly not the right to “move about without governmental permission.” I understand that you oppose this law but your opposition to it - at least as you have explained so far - is based on a misunderstanding of what the law actually says.
I see problems with the way that this may be practiced. Probable cause for one thing does not extend to other areas. For example, a radar can give probable cause for speeding. When the person is stopped, he can not search the car for drugs because he does not like the look of the person, not without permission.
“Probable cause” is a common term in law enforcement and there is no more reason to assume that Arizona police will abuse their authority than will police in any other jurisdiction who are constrained by “probable cause.” The kerfuffle raised over this law is between those who want to end illegal immigration and those who do not. Despite the hysteria created by the opponents who have dishonestly portrayed it, there is nothing in the law to which one can reasonably object.