What Is a CBP Phone Search
A CBP phone search occurs when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers examine your mobile device at ports of entry. Officers may review calls, messages, photos, and stored files to verify identity and immigration status.
When CBP May Search Your Phone
CBP can conduct phone searches during routine inspections, secondary inspections, or at ports of entry. Searches may be based on travel patterns, documentation issues, or intelligence indicators. Officers can request access to your device or its contents.
Your Rights During a CBP Phone Search
CBP has broad authority to search devices at the border without a warrant. You can refuse to provide passwords, but this may delay entry. You may ask to speak with a lawyer. For more details on border search authority, visit Cornell Law Institute border search.
