Over the past year, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has significantly increased the number of searches conducted on phones and electronic devices at the border. According to newly released statistics, device searches rose by approximately 17% in the fiscal year 2025, reaching around 55,424 searches compared to 47,000 searches in the previous year.
While this surge might seem minor relative to the millions who enter the U.S. annually, it comes amidst an intensified immigration policy under the Trump administration, which has expanded law enforcement’s surveillance capabilities. Notably, international visitation to the U.S. has decreased as many travelers reevaluate their plans due to perceived hostility and are opting for precautions, such as carrying burner phones.
Reports have surfaced of travelers experiencing long detentions and being denied entry over content found on their devices. This has raised concerns, as border officials have extensive authority to conduct searches of electronic devices without requiring warrants due to the nature of border protection. The CBP is able to examine laptops, cameras, and phones under conditions that differ from those outlined by the Fourth Amendment.
These inspections can be classified into basic searches, where agents manually browse a device, and more invasive advanced searches that utilize external tools to extract and analyze data. Despite the requirement of reasonable suspicion for advanced searches, refusing to provide a passcode can lead to seizure and detention.
The increase in phone searches has been particularly pronounced in the latter half of 2025, with records indicating that 16,173 devices were searched in just one quarter. Over the decade, searches have steadily risen, with the numbers doubling since 2015. CBP spokesperson Rhonda Lawson highlights that these current numbers are consistent with trends from previous years and emphasize that less than 0.01% of travelers are subjected to searches.
The types of searches conducted reveal a significant reliance on advanced technological tools from private firms that can bypass device security and recover deleted information. This enhanced capability has transformed what once required considerable time in labs into a streamlined procedure at borders.
In the context of differing judicial interpretations, federal courts are divided on whether advanced searches necessitate warrants, reflecting varying standards across different states. A number of recent incidents involving international travelers, including a French scientist and a Norwegian tourist, have showcased how device search policies can lead to international tension and spotlight the increasing difficulty of visiting the U.S.
As the surge in searches at U.S. borders draws scrutiny, it brings forth critical discussions about privacy rights, the balance of security, and the implications for international visitors.
