Is ATF using 'heavy-handed tactics' on border state gun owners?

June 21, 9:36 AMGun Rights ExaminerDavid Codrea

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As we found out yesterday, NRA has issued a statement on the GAO Mexican "crime gun" trafficking report. Their bottom line:

For American gun owners, the battle will be to make sure that politicians who see an opportunity to advance their gun ban agenda do not use Mexico as an excuse to sacrifice our Second Amendment rights.

True enough. But it was the second link in this morning's email from their Institute for Legislative Action that really grinds my gears: "In Border States, BATFE Asks: 'May We See Your Guns?'"

NRA-ILA has recently received several calls from NRA members in border states who have been visited or called by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. In some cases, agents have asked to enter these people's homes, and requested serial numbers of all firearms the members possess.

Why?

[A]gents were making inquiries based on the number of firearms these NRA members had recently bought, and in some cases the agents said they were asking because the members had bought types of guns that are frequently recovered in Mexico.

ILA tells us in some cases, there may be a real investigation going on, but in others, it may simply be a matter of "trying to 'profile' potentially suspicious purchases." Why do I envision Inspector Clouseau saying "I suspect everyone and I suspect no one"?

But more ominously:

[S]ome of the agents have used heavy-handed tactics. One reportedly demanded that a gun owner return home early from a business trip, while another threatened to "report" an NRA member as "refusing to cooperate."

Oh, really?

Nicer people than I am, ILA reminds us "There is nothing wrong with politely, but firmly, asserting your rights." See, it's that "politeness" thing, when someone is trying to intimidate me, that sticks in my craw .

They also advise "Whether contacting a local attorney or NRA, be sure to provide as many details as possible, including the date, time, and location, agent's name, and specific questions asked."

I'm of the school that says answer no questions and do not talk to the authorities except under advice and supervision of counsel. If you haven't seen it already, I strongly urge you to take the time to watch this video, "Don't Talk to the Police," by Professor James Duane of Regent Law.