Overview
- U.S. border agents are allowed to inspect luggage and electronic devices at airports and other entry points without a court order.
- Officers can review texts, emails, photos, videos, stored documents, browsing history, and some apps during a device check.
- What agents find in a phone or bag can lead to extra questioning, time in secondary inspection, more thorough searches, or denial of entry for visitors.
- Refusing to share a passcode has different outcomes by status, with citizens and green-card holders still allowed to enter but at risk of device retention, while visa holders can be refused entry.
- The ACLU notes CBP can keep a device for a more exhaustive search, and reporters warn travelers to expect tighter scrutiny as the June 2026 World Cup brings heavier flows at U.S. entry points.