Almeida-Sanchez v. United States

The government could not justify the search on the basis of any case law applicable to automobile searches, as probable cause was lacking. Nor could the government justify the search by analogy with a border inspection, as the officers had no reason to believe that the defendant had crossed the border (nexus with the border). Nor did the government have the defendant’s consent to conduct the search. The Court explained that travelers may be stopped in crossing an international boundary (nexus) because of national self-protection. However, the search of the defendant’s automobile on a road lying at all points at least 20 miles north of the Mexican border, was different. Those lawfully within the country and entitled to the use of public highways have a right of free passage without interruption or search.