US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been searching an unprecedented number of phones at the border, with a 17% increase in searches over the past fiscal year. The CBP conducted around 55,424 electronic device searches between October 2024 and September 2025, exceeding previous records. Despite the rise in searches, many travelers remain unaware of the possibility of their devices being scrutinized upon entry.
The surge in phone searches can be attributed to an increase over the past six months, with 16,173 phones searched between July and September. This marks a significant jump from the 14,899 devices searched during the previous quarter. Over the past decade, there has been a steady rise in electronic device searches at the border, with yearly figures increasing from around 30,000 to over 55,000 this year.
According to CBP spokesperson Rhonda Lawson, the recent search numbers are consistent with increases since 2021 and represent less than 0.01% of travelers. The agency claims that searches are conducted to detect digital contraband, terrorism-related content, and information relevant to visitor admissibility. However, some critics argue that these policies may be overly broad and intrusive.
The use of advanced forensic tools has become more prevalent in recent years, allowing CBP agents to bypass device locks and retrieve deleted files. These tools are often sourced from private firms, which have been criticized for their potential misuse. The CBP has put out a request for new technology to aid in phone searches, but the effectiveness and necessity of these tools remain unclear.
The increased scrutiny at US borders has sparked controversy among international visitors. Several incidents have highlighted the risks of being denied entry or having one's devices searched without probable cause. While some argue that these measures are necessary for national security, others see them as an infringement on individual rights.
As travelers consider visiting the US, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and implications of device searches. CBP spokesperson Rhonda Lawson advises travelers to weigh their decisions regarding what devices to bring with them, emphasizing that searches of electronic personal devices are not new and have not increased in likelihood. However, for many, the increasing scrutiny at US borders may make the country an increasingly difficult destination.
The surge in phone searches can be attributed to an increase over the past six months, with 16,173 phones searched between July and September. This marks a significant jump from the 14,899 devices searched during the previous quarter. Over the past decade, there has been a steady rise in electronic device searches at the border, with yearly figures increasing from around 30,000 to over 55,000 this year.
According to CBP spokesperson Rhonda Lawson, the recent search numbers are consistent with increases since 2021 and represent less than 0.01% of travelers. The agency claims that searches are conducted to detect digital contraband, terrorism-related content, and information relevant to visitor admissibility. However, some critics argue that these policies may be overly broad and intrusive.
The use of advanced forensic tools has become more prevalent in recent years, allowing CBP agents to bypass device locks and retrieve deleted files. These tools are often sourced from private firms, which have been criticized for their potential misuse. The CBP has put out a request for new technology to aid in phone searches, but the effectiveness and necessity of these tools remain unclear.
The increased scrutiny at US borders has sparked controversy among international visitors. Several incidents have highlighted the risks of being denied entry or having one's devices searched without probable cause. While some argue that these measures are necessary for national security, others see them as an infringement on individual rights.
As travelers consider visiting the US, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and implications of device searches. CBP spokesperson Rhonda Lawson advises travelers to weigh their decisions regarding what devices to bring with them, emphasizing that searches of electronic personal devices are not new and have not increased in likelihood. However, for many, the increasing scrutiny at US borders may make the country an increasingly difficult destination.
. I mean, I get it, security is important, but can't they just leave us alone? Like, who hasn't had something incriminating on their phone that they wish they hadn't? It's crazy how advanced those forensic tools are now - like, what even is the point of having a device if you can just bypass its locks and retrieve deleted files? 
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It's like, what even is that supposed to mean?
I get it, national security and all that jazz, but do we need to be this extreme? It's crazy that some critics are saying these policies are overly broad and intrusive... like, it's not exactly rocket science to figure out what's going on. 
. Like, who benefits from this? The CBP's just trying to stay ahead of the game, but at what cost? We need to be questioning why we're doing this and whether it's really necessary. I mean, have you seen those videos of people getting their phones confiscated or deleted files being recovered without consent? It's wild 
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. It's one thing to have some security checks at the border, but 17% increase in phone searches? That's just too much 
It's like they're saying we can't trust ourselves to make good choices. And those advanced forensic tools? Scary stuff 
. Private firms getting involved in this? Red flag 
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I just hope people are aware of what's going on and aren't caught off guard like some international visitors. 
and those advanced forensic tools are getting more powerful by the day 
so yeah, being informed about what you're bringing to the border is super important if you want to visit the US without any issues 
I know national security is a big deal, but can't we find ways to balance that with individual rights without invading everyone's personal space? 
This whole thing just feels so invasive and controlling. Can't we just have some freedom to travel and connect online without being watched all the time? 
It's like, hello! We're human beings, not suspects in a crime scene! 
before they start snooping around people's personal devices 
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