Can Border Patrol pull you over for 'speeding'/ticket you?

[angela_j10x]

I am in CA, Can a Border Patrol car pull you over on the highway alleging you were speeding so he can visually search your car while talking to you.? I live near the desert and we go off -roading alot and tow our sandrail.

I am paranoid because my boyfriend does not have a valid license/it was suspended for non payment of his tkts.
A girl told me her boyfriend got pulled over and 'talked to ' by one on their way to ride last year and I am not sure if she is lying or not.

Anyway, I always warn him not drive to ride at the popular spots because near Occotillo Wells and Glamis there is heavy border patrol activity all the time.
He says he is not worried, he is white (Irish) and he drives slowly all the time on the highways.
He says they are only looking for the Mexicans on beatup vehicles trying to cross thru the dunes.

[retdetsgt]

Between your boy friend and your cousin, you hang around "interesting people". If you're looking for ways to keep your boy friend out of jail, you came to the wrong forum.

[angela_j10x]

I am giving real life examples. I am asking when driving on the freeway going normal speeds could a Border Patrol car light you up to have you pull over (as a real CHP could.)

I have heard conflicting things; that Border Patrol is only authorized to perform immigration related activity and no they do not have authority to pull people over who are simply driving, or speeding if you will, in front of them.
Others have stated Border Patrol is equal to a Park Ranger now a days; as in both are technically 'peace officers' and enforce the law. If a Park Ranger wanted to give you a speeding ticket while driving to the mountains on your way to mountain climb, He could because he is technically an officer.

[L-1]

Yes they can. Section 830.8 (a) of the California Penal Code gives Federal law enforcement officers the same arrest powers as California peace officers when acting incident to the performance of their Federal duties.

In addition, the Supreme Court held that Border Patrol agents on roving patrol may stop a vehicle if they have reasonable suspicion that it contains aliens who may be illegally in the United States. There may be a number of factors that could suggest a vehicle near the border area might contain illegal aliens, even though it later turns out.there are no illegal aliens on board.

Tell your boyfriend to pay his tickets and get his license problems fixed.