Biden-Appointed Judges Join Trump Nominee to Back CBP Phone Searches
Summary
A U.S. Appeals Court ruled that border officers can search travelers’ phones without needing a warrant or suspicion. The decision was made by a panel including judges appointed by both President Trump and President Biden, and it affects both U.S. citizens and green card holders.Key Facts
- The court said phones can be searched at the border like other personal items such as suitcases.
- The ruling was based on a case involving Chinwendu Alisigwe, a green card holder whose phone was searched at JFK Airport.
- Evidence found on Alisigwe’s phone led to his conviction for bank fraud and money laundering.
- The court rejected applying a 2014 Supreme Court decision that usually requires a warrant to search phones after arrest.
- The judges said the First Amendment does not require special protections for phone searches at the border.
- One Biden-appointed judge agreed Alisigwe’s conviction was valid but warned that phones contain very private information and should not be treated like regular luggage.
- Civil rights and press freedom groups argued the ruling threatens privacy and protections for journalists.
- The ruling impacts millions of travelers entering the U.S., who may have sensitive information on their devices.
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