Customs & Border Protection Checkpoints in Albany?

Most residents of Albany and the Capital region would not consider the area to be on the border with Canada.  To them, a border town might be Plattsburgh or Buffalo.

Nevertheless, the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) considers a significant chunk of the capital region to be a border region.  As such, the CBP routinely sets up immigration checkpoints throughout the area.  These checkpoints are meant to deter the entrance of unauthorized foreign nationals into the United States.  As detailed by a New York Times article, similar patrols often ensnare other unsuspecting citizens and immigrants.

How is it possible that the Albany area is included within the border region?  The CBP considers any place with in 150 miles of the border to be within its jurisdiction.  Further, the Supreme Court has upheld the agency’s right to setup such checkpoints.  As such, it commonly sets up checkpoints on I-87 near Schroon Lake and north of Lake George.  Additionally, it commonly sets up checkpoints along Route 3 in the Adirondacks.