Travelers crossing into the United States are facing a new reality: their smartphones and other electronic devices are more likely than ever to be searched by border officials. Between April and June 2025, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) searched a record-breaking 14,899 devices belonging to international travelers arriving at or returning to the country, according to figures reported by Wired and published on the agency’s own website. This marks a 16.7 percent increase over the previous high of 12,766 searches recorded from January through March 2022, and a 17 percent jump from the early 2022 record, depending on which source you consult. Either way, the message is clear: border device searches are on the rise, and fast.
What exactly does a CBP device search entail? The agency’s powers are broad. Searches can range from a quick manual inspection—where an officer simply scrolls through your photos or messages—to a full forensic examination, which might include creating a complete backup of your device for later analysis. According to the CBP, most of these searches are “basic,” requiring travelers to hand over their devices and passwords so agents can review the contents without using additional equipment. But even a so-called basic search can feel deeply invasive, especially for those who carry sensitive data for work or personal reasons.
CBP justifies these actions by citing national security and law enforcement needs. On its website, the agency states, “These searches have been used to identify and combat terrorist activity, child pornography, drug smuggling, human smuggling, bulk cash smuggling, human trafficking, export control violations, intellectual property rights violations and visa fraud, among other violations.” The agency further notes that border searches of electronic devices are often integral to determining an individual’s intentions upon entry to the United States and can provide additional information relevant to the admissibility of foreign nationals under US immigration laws.
Yet, for many travelers, the experience is unsettling, and for some, it has led to serious consequences. There have been reports of visitors being detained for extended periods or even denied entry to the US based on the contents of their phones, despite holding valid travel documents and visas. This has raised questions about fairness and transparency at the border, especially as the number of searches continues to climb.
The surge in device searches appears to be part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on migration. Increased activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to locate and deport people suspected of entering the US illegally has been widely reported. The expanded use of phone searches is seen by many as another tool in this campaign, one that affects not only non-citizens but also US citizens and lawful permanent residents.
The legal landscape surrounding these searches is, to put it mildly, murky. For non-US citizens and those without a Green Card, the rules are straightforward but harsh: CBP can deny entry for any reason, regardless of visa status, effectively making device searches mandatory if you want to enter the country. For US citizens, the situation is less clear. Courts have generally ruled that border zones fall outside the protections of the Fourth Amendment, meaning that officers do not need a warrant to search electronic devices. However, there has been at least one federal court ruling that challenges this precedent, leaving the legal situation in flux.
Refusing a device search as a US citizen won’t result in being denied entry, but it can still have serious consequences. Your device may be seized, and you could be taken aside for further questioning. As Esha Bhandari, a deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, told Wired, “This is essentially a limitless authority that they claim for themselves to search travelers without a warrant to search the full scope of information people carry on them.” Bhandari and other civil rights advocates warn that the chilling effect of these searches extends far beyond the border, impacting the privacy and freedom of all travelers, especially journalists and lawyers who may carry extremely sensitive information.
“The real issue is the chilling effect it has on all travelers,” Bhandari emphasized. She added that anyone could be subject to a potential device search, not just those suspected of wrongdoing. This sense of unpredictability and vulnerability has prompted a growing number of travelers to seek ways to protect their privacy when crossing the US border.
So what can you do if you’re concerned about your digital privacy at the border? Experts offer several recommendations. First, disable biometrics like Face ID and Touch ID before you travel. There is some legal precedent suggesting that while you can be compelled to provide a fingerprint or face scan, you cannot be forced to reveal your passcode. Setting a strong alphanumeric passcode and keeping your device’s operating system updated are also advised. For those carrying especially sensitive data, such as journalists or lawyers, deleting certain apps before travel and restoring them later can reduce risk. Some even go as far as purchasing a separate phone for travel, though experts caution that a device with little or no data may appear suspicious to border agents. Instead, they recommend using the travel phone normally for a few days—just without any sensitive communications—so it appears like any other device.
While these steps can help, they are hardly foolproof. The reality is that CBP’s authority at the border remains vast, and legal protections are limited. Civil liberties groups continue to push for clearer guidelines and stronger privacy safeguards, but for now, travelers must weigh their own risk tolerance and prepare accordingly.
As the debate over privacy and security at the border intensifies, the record number of device searches serves as a stark reminder of the shifting landscape for anyone entering the United States. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a business traveler, or someone visiting family, it’s wise to be aware of your rights—and your risks—before you pack your bags.
The rules may still be up in the air, but one thing is certain: in 2025, your phone could be the key to your journey—or the reason it’s delayed.
