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Why are they (BP) bothering us about U.S. citizenship inland, if they sincerely believe we're not citizens?

Because that's a bogus excuse for police state tactics.

This baloney isn't right.

I'm now in the league of those who refuse to answer such ludicrous questions.

(because I was too chicken before...)

I just finished watching a number of Youtube videos regarding the principle of U.S. citizens refusing to answer the BP checkpoint question: "Are you a U.S. citizen?

There are a LOT of people refusing to answer that particular question.

Every one who refused was eventually told they could leave without answering the question, (they simply wore down the BP agent with their refusals) nor did they pull over into a designated parking spot, or open their car trunk when commanded to do so.

I was astonished.

However, I read (not a Youtube video) that when a trucker refused to answer the U.S. citizenship question, one BP agent smashed the window glass, hauled the trucker out and arrested him.

So, while you can keep repeatedly asking if "you're being detained" and "am I free to go", not all BP agents can be worn down with those questions.

Some, go ape!

For all who won't respond to inland BP questions, ranging from "Are you a citizen" to anything they care to come up in the way questions: What are you willing to suffer?

BTW, I'm in your corner - NOT trying to start a debate.

But, I am curious as to how far this particular envelope can be pushed...and what the possible consequences might be and what you the innocent citizen going about his business is willing to tolerate if the hammer of BP falls on you.

Give me liberty of give me death?

Yeah, yeah, now I'm pushing the envelope, but I think you get my point.

Thanks for the link TAM.

What I think I get out of this discussion is: Politely cooperate (galling though it may be) with the BP and most likely, you'll shortly be waved to go on your way. This has always been my experience at the checkpoints as I don't act angry or even passive aggessive. Cheerful, friendly almost always works...

Or, act bellicose and be detained/interrogated for a much longer time, and after awhile, perhaps hours... (assuming you've done nothing illegal) you'll eventually be sent on your way.

While I understand the citizens urge to tell BP to flake off, after all who are they to demand answers to questions like "Are you a U.S. citizen"? They are: The ones with the power. In these instances you have zero power, unless you think acting belligerently equates to power... And, yes such questions make one feel like they're having knuckle under governmental oppression.

So, what to do?

Suck it up and cooperate, even though doing so makes you impotent with rage.

If a citizen decided to remain mum when asked about citizenship by a BP agent, what would be the consequences?

Arrest?

It would be interesting to see what the charges would be.

Waved on after a brief bit of silence?

BP calling local police to do something or other...?

Anyone know?

I don't remember the exact time, but roughly 10/15 years ago, I spent a lot time going to Port Manfield to fish the lower Laguna Madre.

Coming back, again roughly, 15 miles or so outside of Raymondville, there was a permanent BP stop.

I always cheerfully cooperated with their questions, but always thought it odd we'd have a check for citizenship well inside the state of Texas. Granted the checkpoint wasn't all that far from the border. I'd guess about 55/75 miles. But, why aren't such checkpoints ON the border vs. well inside the state?

And, yes, at times the BP guys acted somewhat hostile. Not all, but some...

Maybe they are given so much grief from citizens they've become hardened.

I can see both sides.

I can appreciate some of us see such checkpoints akin to Germany in WW11: Nazis stopping citizens on the street, demanding - Your papers "Schweinhund, SCHNELL SCHNELL!"