US Customs Can Search Your Phone at Airports: What You Need to Know

US Customs' Authority to Search Electronics at Airports: What Travelers Need to Know US airports' customs officers have the authority to search travelers' electronic devices, according to a recent CBS News report. This practice is supported by a CBP directive aimed at detecting evidence related to terrorism and national security. While the searches are legal, the extent of their invasiveness varies. "There's actually a CBP directive allowing these searches to help detect evidence relating to terrorism, other national security matters," explains CBS News Homeland Security Correspondent Nicole Sganga. These searches range from basic checks to more advanced forensic examinations. In the latter case, agents may even connect a phone to an external device to download and analyze its contents. The consequences of refusing to cooperate can be severe. While US citizens and lawful permanent residents cannot be denied entry for refusing a search, their devices can be seized. Foreign nationals, however, face the possibility of denied entry. Last year, CBP processed 420 million travelers, with officers searching the electronics of just over 47,000 – about 0.01%. This suggests the practice, while legal, remains relatively infrequent. The video serves as a valuable reminder to travelers about their rights and responsibilities when passing through US customs.