Story perspectives

Appeals Court Rules Warrantless Phone Searches at Borders Allowed

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 3:30 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

A U.S. Court of Appeals panel ruled border officers may search travelers’ phones without a warrant or suspicion.
Judge Steven J. Menashi, a Trump appointee, authored the majority opinion.
Judge Eunice C. Lee, a Biden appointee, wrote a concurring opinion warning of implications.
Chinwendu Alisigwe, a lawful permanent resident, had his phone searched at JFK Airport.
He was later convicted of bank fraud and money laundering based on phone evidence.

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Story summary

A U.S. Court of Appeals panel ruled border officers may search travelers’ phones without a warrant or suspicion.
Judge Steven J. Menashi, a Trump appointee, authored the majority opinion.
Judge Eunice C. Lee, a Biden appointee, wrote a concurring opinion warning of implications.
Chinwendu Alisigwe, a lawful permanent resident, had his phone searched at JFK Airport.
He was later convicted of bank fraud and money laundering based on phone evidence.