What authority do commissioned, warrant, or petty officers of the Coast Guard have under 19 USC 1401?

Commissioned, warrant, or petty officers of the Coast Guard have the authority to conduct border searches under 19 USC 1401. This statute grants them the power to enforce customs laws and regulations, which includes the ability to inspect vessels and cargo entering or leaving the United States. This authority is crucial for the Coast Guard's mission to prevent smuggling and ensure maritime security.

The ability to conduct border searches is not without limitations; officers must operate within the scope of their authority and follow established legal protocols. However, the emphasis on their capability to perform these searches reflects their role in safeguarding U.S. borders and enforcing applicable laws.

Other choices reflect misunderstandings about the scope and limits of the Coast Guard's authority. For instance, making arrests without any restrictions does not align with the established legal framework, which still requires officers to operate within the bounds of the law. Similarly, the power to impound vessels is typically based on specific legal justifications, not arbitrary decisions. Finally, searching vessels without a warrant may be permissible in certain situations, especially in the context of border searches, which allows for flexibility under specific legal contexts.