Phone Searches at the US Border Hit a Record High

According to recent reports, phone searches at the US border have hit a record high in the past year.

The Department of Homeland Security conducted over 40,000 searches of cellphones and electronic devices at the border in 2021.

These searches have raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties, as the border patrol has broad authority to search devices without a warrant.

Advocates argue that these searches can violate the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

However, border patrol officials argue that these searches are necessary for national security and to combat illegal immigration and terrorism.

Many travelers have reported feeling violated and unnerved by these searches, even if they have nothing to hide.

Some have resorted to using encrypted apps and secure messaging systems to protect their data from being accessed by border patrol agents.

As the number of searches continue to increase, there is a growing debate over the balance between national security and individual privacy rights.

It remains to be seen how this issue will be addressed by lawmakers and the courts in the coming years.