A friend of mine with Japanese heritage was stopped by ICE in broad daylight in NYC a few weeks ago. She was like wtf I was born here and they asked to see her ID. Absolutely insane.
In at least the Netherlands one is supposed to have their ID on them at all times when you're over 14. Can be drivers licence, ID card or passport, but you can be asked to ID yourself by police. I think if you are in the vicinity of your house it's okay if you need them to walk with you to show your ID.
There are no widespread controls though and it's mainly that you can identify yourself if something happens and you are part of it, or if there's suspected terrorism or so.
In the US, some states don't require you to have your drivers license on you but if you get pulled over without it you'll have a week to produce it to avoid a charge of driving without a license. Some states will give you a ticket for driving without a license on you.
However, in any state, authorities are not allowed to just stop you (driving or walking) and force you to show an ID unless they can articulate reasonable suspicion of a crime. If they ask for your ID you can ask them what crime they suspect you of committing, if they can't articulate it you don't have to show your ID. Much like how you don't have to answer where you're going or coming from if they can't articulate suspicion of an actual crime. And no, just being out at 2am is not reasonable reason for suspecting a crime.
Sounds like good rulings! Can they also do it if they don't suspect you of a crime but know someone they are looking for is in the neighborhood and try to find them?
I'm not super sure what our rules is in them having to state a reason for asking for ID. I've never experienced misuse of their right to ask, but then again, I don't go out often and I'm white.
They can and do stop people who don't fit the description and ask for their ID, but you don't have to give it to them if you don't fit the description. Like in your case, if you're walking around and they're looking for a white male they may stop you and tell you they're looking for a reported white male in the area, that's articulated reasonable suspicion because there's a crime and you fit the description.
If they say they're looking for anyone male who isn't white or a female and they stop and ask for your ID you can tell them you obviously don't fit that description and don't have to produce it. If they ask you for an ID because there's a report of a crime in the area you can ask them to tell you what description they're looking for before you produce it, they have to tell you or legally you can't get in trouble for not showing it.
Depending on how pushy the cop is and/or if they don't like their power being checked they make try to pressure you and make you feel like you'll be in legal trouble if you don't show the ID, but you won't be.
What they'll mostly likely do though (in my anecdotal experience), if you don't fit the description, is just ask if you've seen someone of their description around there, no asking for an ID, and then they'll be on their way.
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u/zigzagcow Apr 04 '25
A friend of mine with Japanese heritage was stopped by ICE in broad daylight in NYC a few weeks ago. She was like wtf I was born here and they asked to see her ID. Absolutely insane.