What authority allows Border Patrol to board and search trains?

The correct answer highlights the authority outlined in both of the specified sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Under INA 235(d)(1), Border Patrol agents are granted the authority to board and search certain means of transportation, including trains, for the purpose of enforcing immigration laws. This empowers agents to conduct inspections to determine the immigration status of passengers.

Additionally, INA 287(a)(3) provides further authority to Border Patrol agents, allowing them to make arrests, search for and seize evidence, and board various modes of transport to enforce immigration restrictions or apprehend individuals who may be violating these laws.

Thus, both provisions create a legal basis for Border Patrol's actions on trains, confirming that they are indeed authorized to conduct searches in this context. This dual authority strengthens their operational capacity to combat illegal immigration and enhance border security effectively.