[FourtySeven]

Checkpoints are set up on major highways “near” (25-75 miles is their current definition of near) for purposes of checking for illegals and drugs smuggled in from Mexico.

How strange. What is the rationale for having another checkpoint after the first one at the border?

[Tammy8]

The purpose is to catch those that illegally crossed the border; those that crossed anywhere other than at legal Ports of Entry. Years ago the actual border was patrolled for this reason, in the 1970s under Carter it was decided that it was not necessary to patrol the actual border, they were instead to concentrate on roads near the border. Authorities thought it would be just as effective and would save money. It hasn’t worked, of course and many- including me think the Border Patrol should patrol the actual border.