Carina C. ZonaI have to get fingerprinted for a FBI records check and it's fascinating how appalled German bureaucrats and police have been by the concept when I inquired. Y'all, my local police refused to do it because they _are not legally authorised to fingerprint anyone who hasn't been accused of a crime_.
I'll pause here for the Americans to guffaw at the notion of a police force feeling obliged to obey laws and respect privacy.
Carina C. ZonaThe German cop was like "When I visit the US there are cameras everywhere from the moment you land." I told him about ICE's 100 mile rule and his mind was blown. Even a cop couldn't believe that cops have that kind of authority to invade privacy.
However he still hadn't fully grasped the concept because then he assured himself it would never be a problem for him since he is a tourist and doesn't break laws. Lololololol like that means ICE wouldn't be eligible to roust him and examine his phone.
For a people who have the Stasi in living memory, it's remarkable how quickly someone can forget what excesses are possible.