U.S. border officers searching more phones and devices at ports of entry

If you’re heading across the border into the United States, your phone could be part of the inspection. New data shows electronic device searches by U.S. border officers are on the rise.

In 2025, officers searched more than 55,000 electronic devices at U.S. ports of entry — a 17 per cent increase from about 47,000 searches in 2024.

Immigration lawyer Benjamin Green says those searches remain rare, affecting less than 0.01 per cent of all travellers entering the country.

“You should not really expect a search. It’s possible. They have the right to. And they’ve had the right to for 20 years plus, albeit a little more increased nowadays,” said Green.

But the increase is raising questions about privacy for travellers crossing the border.

These days our phones carry a lot of personal information. With reports of more electronic device searches at the U.S. border, CHCH News went down to Niagara Falls to ask people how they would feel if an officer asked to go through their phone.

“I don’t feel that it’s necessary. They can search my car, they can search whatever but my phone is my phone,” said one traveller.

“My personal banking and everything and other personal stuff is on my phone,” said another traveller.

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This year, the United States Department of Homeland Security updated its rules on electronic searches, expanding them to include devices like smartwatches, sim cards and GPS units.

Under a U.S. Customs and Border Protection directive dated Jan. 1, 2026, it states: “On rare occasions, CBP officers may search a traveler’s mobile phone, computer, camera, or other electronic devices during the inspection process.”

Most of these are basic searches where officers manually scroll through a device. More advanced forensic searches require additional approval.

Drew Fagan, a professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, says people crossing the border have fairly limited rights.

“The United States makes the point that, especially with pre-screening, you’re actually in American territory technically at that point,” said Fagan.

Experts say travellers can refuse to unlock a device, but doing so could mean delays, a seized phone or even being denied entry for non-U.S. citizens.

“If you’re concerned about content you have on your digital device, maybe this isn’t the right time to be going to the States, or be prepared for some pushback,” said Green.

For now, device searches remain a small fraction of overall border crossings. But as travel picks up, it’s a reminder your digital life could be part of the inspection process.

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