Phone Frenzy at the Border: CBP’s Record-Breaking Device Searches Under Trump
Phone searches at the US border have soared, with CBP conducting over 55,000 searches in the past fiscal year. While officials claim it’s rare, travelers might want to think twice before bringing their favorite meme stash. Remember, what happens at the border doesn’t stay at the border—it might just get you barred!
Hot Take:
Looks like Uncle Sam is really getting into the tech scene! But instead of making TikToks, they’re flipping through your selfies and cat memes at the border. The next time you travel, remember: that phone full of vacation pics might just become a CBP agent’s next reading material. Who knew your Instagram feed could be the talk of the town?
Key Points:
- CBP conducted 55,424 searches of electronic devices in the fiscal year 2025, a 17% increase from 2024.
- Phone searches are low compared to total border entries but have increased due to tougher immigration policies.
- Border zones bypass Fourth Amendment protections, allowing for searches without warrants.
- Advanced searches use cutting-edge tools from private firms, like Cellebrite and GrayKey.
- Federal courts are divided on the legal requirements for advanced searches.
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