What does 19 USC 482 allow agents to do?

19 USC 482 provides Customs officers and Border Patrol agents with the authority to conduct inspections and searches for the purpose of enforcing customs laws. This section specifically empowers agents to perform extended border searches, which allows them to thoroughly examine individuals and their property without the need for a warrant, provided they have a reasonable belief that the search is necessary to uncover contraband or to enforce immigration laws.

The nature of these extended border searches is vital for national security and ensures that agents can effectively interdict illegal goods or prevent unlawful entries into the country. This provision is central to border enforcement, as it allows agents to act decisively in protecting the integrity of U.S. borders.

The other options, while related to the broader operational scope of border enforcement, do not specifically align with the explicit authorization granted by 19 USC 482. For instance, while agents may conduct routine checks and initiate investigations, those actions are guided by different legal frameworks or policy measures rather than the specific authority conferred by this statute.