US Border Electronic Device Searches 2025: A Rising Privacy Concern

It's a traveler's worst nightmare: an official asking for your phone's passcode. In fiscal year 2025, exactly 55,318 travelers experienced exactly that. According to CBP data, warrantless searches of electronic devices are becoming a more frequent reality at the U.S. border.

Trends in US Border Electronic Device Searches 2025

While the 55,318 searches represent less than 0.01% of the 419 million travelers processed, reports suggest the frequency has ticked upward in recent months. Under the current administration, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has ramped up efforts to screen digital data to prevent potential security threats, even without specific suspicion.

The Legality of Warrantless Digital Searches

It's perfectly legal for agents to search your smartphone, laptop, or tablet without a warrant at the border. This 'border search exception' has long been a tool for law enforcement. However, privacy advocates argue that the sheer volume of personal data on modern devices makes these searches far more intrusive than a traditional luggage check.