On 20 Dec 2007 16:45:05 -0600, Dave wrote:

I believe they can then take you "downtown" to see about establishing
your identity.


You believe wrong. That would be an arrest.

No, that would be a "detention".

an arrest may not be made
without probable cause to believe you have committed a crime.

That's true but you may be "detained" for questioning. Your recourse
is to call a lawyer.