> We consider systems like that to be totalitarian

Who is "we"? Non-citizens of the USA are required to carry their immigration status documents with them, [1] and checkpoints within the 100-mile border zone (where 2/3 of the population lives [2]) are one place where they must be presented. If you are a US citizen without proof, and are stopped, and the official thinks you are lying, I believe you are going to have A Bad Day.

[1] https://www.aclu.org/blog/immigrants-rights/immigrants-right...

[2] https://www.aclu.org/other/constitution-100-mile-border-zone