United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staff performed a record number of phone and electronic device searches at the border over the past year, with a 17% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. The CBP conducted approximately 55,424 searches during the 2025 fiscal year, up from 47,000 in 2024, reflecting a growing trend in border security measures.
While the number of searches remains relatively small in the context of overall border crossings, the increase in device searches has raised concerns about privacy and data security. These searches have become more prevalent in the current political climate, which is focused on immigration enforcement and enhanced surveillance capabilities.
Border officials have the authority to search the devices of all individuals entering the US, including citizens and green card holders, without requiring warrants. This practice, which includes both manual and advanced forensic searches, enables CBP agents to access and analyze data from phones, laptops, and other electronic devices.
As international travel to the US faces challenges, individuals are advised to present their devices for inspection, highlighting the evolving landscape of border security protocols and privacy considerations.
Source: WIRED