Phone Searches at the US Border Hit a Record High
4 days ago
- #Digital Forensics
- #Border Security
- #Privacy Rights
- CBP officials have broad powers to search electronic devices of travelers entering the US, including US citizens.
- From April to June 2025, CBP searched 14,899 devices, a 16.7% increase from the previous high in early 2022.
- The increase in searches aligns with aggressive migration policies under the second Trump administration.
- Travelers report long detentions, intrusive searches, and entry denials based on device content, leading to decreased visits from some countries.
- ACLU warns of the chilling effect on travelers, especially those critical of the administration or handling sensitive information.
- Device searches have risen steadily, from 8,503 in 2015 to 46,362 in fiscal year 2024.
- Recent searches include 13,824 'basic' and 1,075 'advanced' types, with advanced searches involving forensic data extraction.
- CBP claims less than 0.01% of travelers undergo device searches, but critics highlight the lack of warrant requirements in border zones.
- Refusal to comply with searches can lead to device seizure for US citizens/green card holders and detention/deportation for foreign visitors.
- CBP is procuring advanced forensic tools to enhance data analysis from devices, signaling potential future increases in advanced searches.