What are the border patrol procedures when returning to the states from mexico?

Question

im planning to buy a bunch of tobacco and want to know what they search

Answer 1

in San Diego, the worst part is the traffic.  some days it takes up to 1.5 - 2 hours to cross.  normally they will only ask your citizenship and how long you have stayed in Mexico.

for now you can get away with a driver's license and birth certificate, but as of June 1, 2009, you'll need a passport or a passport card (not good for air travel).

Answer 2

The border patrol along the Mexican border is pretty rigorous. I assume you're driving. Quite frankly, I would bring back only the allotted quantity of tobacco. The problem is that if they find undeclared merchandise, not only can they confiscate it, your name can automatically be entered into the database and you will end up getting searched every time you return to the U.S. from anywhere by land, sea or air. It's not worth the hassle.