US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has conducted a record number of phone searches at the border over the past year, with the total number increasing by 17% compared to the previous fiscal year. This upward trend has been driven primarily by an increase in searches over the past six months.
According to newly published statistics from CBP, there were around 55,000 electronic device searches conducted during the full fiscal year of 2025, which is up from approximately 47,000 during the government's 2024 fiscal year. Of these searches, a majority - 51,061 - were basic in nature and involved manual scrolling through phone data.
However, more invasive forensic searches accounted for only a small percentage of total searches, with around 4,363 being advanced device searches. These advanced searches use external tools to copy and analyze data, often bypassing device locks and retrieving deleted files.
The CBP points out that these electronic personal devices are subject to search under their policy and procedures for searches, which have not changed over the past few years. The likelihood of a search is said to remain exceedingly rare.
Despite this, international visitors have decreased in recent months due to Trump's immigration crackdown and increased law enforcement surveillance capabilities. Some travelers have reported long detentions or alleged they were denied entry based on messages on their phones. However, CBP disputes many of these claims.
Overall, while the total number of phone searches may seem small compared to millions of people entering the US each year, it highlights concerns among international visitors about increased scrutiny and surveillance at border checkpoints.
According to newly published statistics from CBP, there were around 55,000 electronic device searches conducted during the full fiscal year of 2025, which is up from approximately 47,000 during the government's 2024 fiscal year. Of these searches, a majority - 51,061 - were basic in nature and involved manual scrolling through phone data.
However, more invasive forensic searches accounted for only a small percentage of total searches, with around 4,363 being advanced device searches. These advanced searches use external tools to copy and analyze data, often bypassing device locks and retrieving deleted files.
The CBP points out that these electronic personal devices are subject to search under their policy and procedures for searches, which have not changed over the past few years. The likelihood of a search is said to remain exceedingly rare.
Despite this, international visitors have decreased in recent months due to Trump's immigration crackdown and increased law enforcement surveillance capabilities. Some travelers have reported long detentions or alleged they were denied entry based on messages on their phones. However, CBP disputes many of these claims.
Overall, while the total number of phone searches may seem small compared to millions of people entering the US each year, it highlights concerns among international visitors about increased scrutiny and surveillance at border checkpoints.
. Like, I get that safety first and all, but 17% increase in just one year? That's pretty steep for me 
. It's like, what's next? More thorough checks of luggage too? 
Anyway, it seems to me that some people might feel a bit uneasy about the whole thing, especially when you consider how long detentions have been going on lately 
. Guess it's good to be aware of these changes and, you know, maybe ask questions if you're planning to travel soon? 
like what even is going on with our borders right now?! I mean, 17% increase in phone searches? That's not small talk, that's a major red flag 
. And let's be real, it's not just the number of searches that's the issue, it's the fact that so many of these searches are basic - like, what's the point of even doing them if you're just going to scroll through someone's phone data manually? 
Like, I get it, security is important and all that, but do we really need to be copying and analyzing people's personal data like it's no big deal?! That's just creepy and invasive. 
.
. but still, its creepy when u think about it 
. maybe the numbers r lower cuz more ppl are gettin vetted thru online screening apps before they even reach borders 
. anyway, its def not as bad as ppl make it out to be... unless u have something shady on ur phone, lol 
. btw, did u know the number of arrests at borders is still super low? around 200k in 2025, which is like 0.03% of total visitors 
. lets keep things in perspective, folks! 
. And let's not forget that CBP is saying it's all part of their policy and procedures, which hasn't changed much in recent years 
CBP says it's all about scrutiny and surveillance, but honestly, I think there's more to it than that 
17% increase in phone searches is like watching a friend obsess over a meme 
. CBP's policy hasn't changed, but the vibe is still "we're watching your every move" 
. And when you think about it, 4,363 forensic searches is like finding a needle in a digital haystack 
. Still, with international visitors on the decline, maybe we should just assume they have something to hide 
. [GIF of a person hiding behind their phone] 
. It's almost like they're trying to downplay the whole thing. Have you heard those rumors about people getting denied entry because of their phone messages? Yeah, I'm not buying it 
But what really freaks me out is those advanced forensic searches – 4k of them? 
. Trump's immigration crackdown did change things tho, I guess. Now travelers gotta be super careful what they say or do online before entering US 
. We can't keep living in fear of being scrutinized at every turn. It's time for some real reform, stat!
? It's not like your phone is just, like, a collection of thoughts and feelings or anything... CBP's all like "we're not invading anyone's privacy" while doing 51,061 basic searches that basically involve scrolling through phone data. Meanwhile, only 4,363 advanced searches are happening (and those are the ones with actual invasive tools). It's like, what's up with that? 
Interesting how international visitors have decreased tho. Maybe people are just more aware of what's going on now. 
I get it, security is important, but isn't there a fine line to be drawn? Travelers are already stressing out about their phones being searched, even if it doesn't happen often. It's just more hassle. Maybe we should have an open conversation about what's reasonable and what's not when it comes to border searches 
anyway, just food 4 thought, might be time to fact check some of these immigration stories 