I think it just about as big a deal as it can get. Your papers, please. It's only about freedom.
To be clear, last post, there is no “papers please,” just a verbal question; “Are you a US citizen?” Verbal answer in the affirmative is all that is expected or required.
Cheers. I really am out of here.
Look, there is one on the I-15 between San Diego and LA. I go through it many, many times and have NEVER been stopped or even asked a question! The cars slow to about 10 miles an hour as you drive THROUGH the BP waves you and that's it.
Being a drama queen and saying that the BP are "asking for your papers, please" is ridiculous. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. Again, I ask you....have you ever crossed one of these checkpoints yourself?