Increase in U.S. CBP Phone Searches
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that it searched 55,318 electronic devices in 2025, marking a 17.6% increase from the 47,074 searches conducted in 2024. This surge in device examinations has raised concerns among travelers regarding privacy and security at the U.S. border.
The data reveals a significant rise in device searches specifically for U.S. travelers, which increased from 8,657 in 2023 to 13,590 in 2025. This trend highlights a growing scrutiny of personal electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and even smartwatches and SIM cards, which are now subject to search by U.S. Customs.
In 2025, basic searches of devices rose to 50,922 from 42,725 in 2024, while advanced searches saw a slight increase to 4,396 from 4,322 in the previous year. According to CBP, 92% of searches conducted at the point of entry were classified as basic searches, which typically involve less intrusive methods of examination.
CBP officers are authorized to request passwords for devices, and refusal to provide access may result in the seizure of the device. This policy has raised alarms among civil liberties advocates who argue that such practices infringe on personal privacy rights. “U.S. border agents are entitled to search your electronic devices, such as your phones, computers or tablets, when you are entering the United States,” a CBP spokesperson stated. “If you refuse, they may seize your device.”
Global Affairs Canada issued a warning about possible device checks at the U.S. border last year, indicating that travelers should be prepared for increased scrutiny. Similarly, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has implemented stricter rules for device examinations, reflecting a broader trend in border security practices.
Observers note that device checks have also extended to American citizens, with a noticeable increase in searches in 2025. “All travelers crossing the United States border are subject to CBP inspection,” the spokesperson added, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of these searches.
Despite the increase in searches, the CBP did not disclose the exact percentage of searches conducted on travelers from Canada or other countries. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how many searches will occur in 2026 compared to previous years, leaving many travelers uncertain about the future of their privacy at the border.
