ADC Warns Travelers of Increasing Demands to Search and Seize Electronic Devices at U.S. Borders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 14, 2026

Washington, D.C. | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is concerned by reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are demanding access to travelers’ phones, computers, and other electronic devices, particularly from journalists and individuals returning from countries targeted by the United States.

Award-winning independent journalist, Max Blumenthal, reported that CBP officers interrogated him upon his return from Iran on July 10, searched his belongings, and demanded that he unlock his phones. When he refused, officers seized the devices. Blumenthal had traveled to Iran on a press visa to report for The Grayzone.

“It was precisely because of my journalism that I was targeted by the Trump administration… The seizure of my devices was a clear act of intimidation aimed at deterring me and others from doing further critical reporting from Iran about the illegal war ravaging the country…” Blumenthal stated.

“The practice of seizing and searching a journalist’s phone or other electronic devices at the border raises grave First and Fourth amendment concerns,” ADC President and Legal Director, Jenin Younes, told The Grayzone. “Absent a legitimate and particularized national security justification, search of phones should not be a condition of entering the country. The Supreme Court has recognized the important privacy interests in modern smart phones, an interest that is not diminished simply because an American is crossing the border. The search and seizure of Blumenthal’s phones is yet more concerning because it appears to be viewpoint based discrimination, given that prominent associates of the current administration have singled him out for condemnation because of his views.”

Blumenthal’s experience marks a troubling departure from CBP’s stated practice of conducting only “rare” searches and seizures of personal electronic devices, particularly of U.S. citizens. ADC urges travelers to exercise caution amid reports that individuals are being pressured to unlock their devices, surrender them for inspection, or risk having their passports confiscated or their ability to travel restricted.

The government has inspection authority at the border, but that authority is not unlimited. Searches or seizures conducted because of a traveler’s journalism, political views, national origin, religion, or criticism of U.S. foreign policy raise serious First and Fourth Amendment concerns.

ADC calls on CBP to immediately return Blumenthal’s devices, and publicly clarify its policies governing searches of electronic devices. Congress must also investigate whether border authorities are targeting journalists, Arab and Muslim travelers, or political dissenters for heightened scrutiny.

Travelers should understand that border officers may request access to electronic devices and refusing access can result in a device being detained. U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry to the United States, but devices may still be seized. Travelers should avoid carrying unnecessary sensitive information and should document the names of officers, locations, times, and circumstances surrounding any search or seizure.

Anyone who believes CBP searched or seized an electronic device without justification, or targeted them because of their identity, travel, journalism, or political views, should contact ADC’s Legal Department at [email protected].

About ADC

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is the largest Arab American grassroots organization in the United States, founded in 1980 by former Senator James Abourezk. ADC’s mission is to defend and promote the human rights, civil rights, and liberties of at least 3.7 million Arab Americans residing in the United States. Through its work, ADC fights discrimination, enhances public understanding of Arab history and culture, and partners with marginalized communities globally to advance social justice.