U.S. border electronic device searches increase by 32%

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seen a more than 32 per cent increase in searches of electronic devices, such as cellphones and laptops, during the first three quarters of the 2026 fiscal year. Data shows that 52,080 devices were searched between October 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, compared to 39,251 during the same period the previous year. This trend puts the agency on track to surpass the previous record of 55,424 searches set in fiscal 2025.

Of the searches conducted this year, 47,517 were classified as basic searches, which officers can perform without reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing. An additional 4,564 were advanced searches, which allow for the analysis or copying of device contents when there is reasonable suspicion of a national security concern or legal violation.

CBP officials stated that these searches are used to detect terrorism-related content, digital contraband, and information regarding traveler admissibility. While the agency maintains that these inspections affect only about 0.01 per cent of travelers annually, privacy advocates have called for increased congressional oversight, citing concerns over civil liberties and the potential for questioning travelers on religious or political beliefs.