Story perspectives

Record Device Searches Spark Privacy Concerns Amid Border Debate

3/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a record 55,318 electronic device searches in 2025, up 17.6% from 2024.
New directives expand searchable items to smartwatches and SIM cards.
Searches of American citizens' devices rose from 8,657 in 2023 to 13,590 in 2025.
Advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union call for clearer guidelines due to privacy concerns.
The border debate continues over the balance between national security and individual rights.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a record 55,318 electronic device searches in 2025, up 17.6% from 2024.
New directives expand searchable items to smartwatches and SIM cards.
Searches of American citizens' devices rose from 8,657 in 2023 to 13,590 in 2025.
Advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union call for clearer guidelines due to privacy concerns.
The border debate continues over the balance between national security and individual rights.