As the U.S. intensifies its border security measures, travelers are increasingly facing heightened scrutiny—especially when it comes to their electronic devices. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are now more frequently inspecting phones, laptops, and tablets at the border, leading to detentions, visa cancellations, and even deportations based on the content found on those devices.
This shift in enforcement became evident when Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese physician and assistant professor at Brown University, was deported at Boston Logan International Airport after border agents allegedly discovered photos and videos on her phone related to Hezbollah. Although Alawieh held a valid visa and was returning from a family visit, her visa was canceled on the spot.
Other recent cases have amplified concern. An Indian PhD student at Columbia University chose to self-deport to Canada after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents reportedly raided her home in connection with pro-Palestinian content on her social media and her participation in campus demonstrations. Mahmoud Khalil, another student leader involved in similar protests, is currently being held in immigration detention in Louisiana. A Georgetown University researcher from India is also under scrutiny for alleged ties to a Palestinian militant group.
These incidents are part of a broader effort under the Trump administration to tighten immigration rules and enhance national security. This includes a comprehensive review of visa programs, new travel restrictions on over 40 countries, and increased authority for CBP officers to examine travelers’ electronics.
Susanne Heubel, a senior counsel at Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, says these device inspections were almost unheard of until this year. Previously, even frequent travelers and visa holders reported little to no interference. Now, that has changed significantly.
CBP asserts that its electronic searches are legal and targeted. CBP Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham stated that any traveler entering the U.S. is subject to inspection and that electronic media searches are “rare, highly regulated,” and intended to combat threats like terrorism, smuggling, and visa fraud. He strongly denied that searches were being conducted for political reasons.
Despite this, critics point to the increasing number of cases where travelers have faced repercussions due to political or religious content on their devices or social media. There are growing fears that free speech rights are being undermined. Heubel warns that speech once considered protected—such as political expression online—is now contributing to visa revocations and denials of entry.
According to CBP procedures, two kinds of device searches are permitted. A basic search allows officers to manually scroll through the content of a device, including messages, photos, and recently deleted files. An advanced search involves extracting and analyzing data using external tools, but this type of search requires reasonable suspicion and approval from a supervisor.
During either type of search, the traveler’s device is usually placed in airplane mode or disconnected from the internet, meaning only the data stored directly on the device can be reviewed. However, if a traveler’s social media accounts are public, officers can access them independently without even unlocking the device.
Travelers’ rights during these searches are limited. While the Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable search and seizure, the U.S. border is treated as a special zone where such searches are considered inherently “reasonable,” meaning they don’t require warrants. This legal interpretation holds within 100 miles of any U.S. border.
For American citizens, border agents cannot deny entry for refusing to unlock a device, but for non-citizens—including visa and green card holders—refusal may result in visa cancellation or denial of entry. Heubel recommends that travelers facing a search comply but state their objections clearly. A suggested phrase: “I do not agree to this search, but I understand you have the authority to perform it.”
Heubel also advises travelers to take proactive steps to minimize risk. She suggests traveling with as few devices as possible and thoroughly deleting any sensitive content before arrival. Files in “recently deleted” folders can still be accessed during a search, so a full wipe is recommended. Additionally, ensuring that social media accounts are private and free of controversial content can reduce exposure.
Understanding visa restrictions is also key. Some travelers face scrutiny for engaging in activities—like participating in protests or working freelance gigs—that are outside the scope of their visa category. Being informed about what your immigration status allows can help avoid misunderstandings or consequences at the border.
Though these high-profile cases are concerning, Heubel emphasizes that most people will not face issues. She notes that hundreds of thousands of individuals enter the U.S. every day without incident. However, she also believes that the increasing frequency of electronic searches signals a broader change in how border enforcement is being applied.
With these evolving policies, travelers are advised to be cautious about what they carry—digitally and physically—across U.S. borders. In today’s travel landscape, your phone may be just as important as your passport. And what’s on it could be the deciding factor between a smooth entry and a sudden deportation.
