Concerns Grow Over CBP's Authority to Search Digital Devices at U.S. Borders

Recent incidents involving travelers, particularly a French scientist, have sparked renewed scrutiny of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) authority to search electronic devices at the border. These searches can occur without a warrant or suspicion, raising concerns about privacy, especially when political views expressed in private messages can lead to denial of entry. CBP's policies allow for both basic searches without any suspicion and advanced searches necessitating reasonable suspicion, which can delve into cloud data. Visa holders and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) face particularly precarious situations, as refusing a search could result in being denied entry, while U.S. citizens have more rights but still risk having their devices seized. This has led to broader discussions about the implications for free speech and the experiences of travelers subjected to invasive inspections. Observers are urging travelers to consider using separate devices to limit exposure to potential consequences during border crossings.