Skip to content

Feds Can Download Your Computer at the Border

Hundreds of thousands of travelers cross US borders every day. And none of them—save the precious few with diplomatic immunity—have any right to privacy,” Vice reports.

“This is a familiar routine for most travelers: A CBP official checks your documents, glances between you and your passport photo, and perhaps asks whether you’re travelling to the United States for business or pleasure.”

“If you are referred for a secondary inspection, your right to privacy is essentially moot. Either a CBP officer or an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agent will likely question you and may inspect your possessions. This can mean anything from a quick look through your bags to copying and detaining your electronic devices—it’s up to the agent and his or her supervisor, not due process.”

Recent Stories

Deadly Texas flooding puts Trump’s past talk of eliminating FEMA to the test

Senate NDAA would hike defense spending by $32 billion

Should we talk about the weather? — Congressional Hits and Misses

Photos of the week | July 4-10, 2025

Appropriators advance Legislative Branch bill without GAO cuts

FBI headquarters fight stymies spending bill in Senate