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Judge Orders Explanation for Seized Max Blumenthal Phones

8/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Leonie M. Brinkema ordered an explanation for seizing Max Blumenthal’s phones after he was flagged at Dulles Airport on July 10.
Agents placed the Grayzone founder in inspection, questioned his travel funding and contacts, seized his two phones, and returned them a week later after a motion.
Brinkema cited a Fourth Circuit decision that a warrant is required for cellphone searches, a point Blumenthal said could set a precedent for journalists.

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Story summary

Judge Leonie M. Brinkema ordered an explanation for seizing Max Blumenthal’s phones after he was flagged at Dulles Airport on July 10.
Agents placed the Grayzone founder in inspection, questioned his travel funding and contacts, seized his two phones, and returned them a week later after a motion.
Brinkema cited a Fourth Circuit decision that a warrant is required for cellphone searches, a point Blumenthal said could set a precedent for journalists.