U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials cannot conduct warrantless phone searches at all U.S. ports of entry. While CBP had the right to access travelers’ electronic devices and social media to determine if they could pose a national security threat, these searches aren’t always exempted from needing a warrant. Here is what travelers need to know about warrantless phone searches at U.S. ports of entry.

Traveler’s rights against warrantless searches decrease when they’re within 100 miles of any port of entry, meaning anyone entering the U.S. can be questioned. While no one is required to give immigration officials their passwords, the lengths agents can go to obtain them varies depending on a person’s legal status. Citizens and lawful permanent residents cannot be denied entry simply for refusing to give border agents their phone password, but they can be confiscated and held for multiple weeks or even months. If this happens, be sure to right down the name and badge number of the officer who confiscated the device and request a receipt. Noncitizens and tourists can be denied entry, making not complying with border agents much riskier. While green card holders can sponsor certain family members such as spouses or children, these individuals do not have the same legal status or rights and therefore can be detained for not complying.

Biometrics, things such as face id or thumbprint id, are not always protected the same way as actual phone passwords. While theoretically protected by the Fifth Amendment, many courts have ruled against this notion. There have also been reports of border agents simply forcing people’s fingers onto their phones or holding it up to their faces to unlock them. It’s extremely important then for individuals to research the jurisdiction their point of arrival falls under. For example, customs officials at JFK airport are required to obtain a warrant for phone searches because of a court ruling that applies to all New York City ports of entry.

As always, ImmigrationUSA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.