Border Searches and Deportations Raise Travel Concerns

Concerns over U.S. border security and device searches are prompting many international travelers to rethink visiting the United States. British student Muhammed Ihsanullah, awarded a scholarship to work in Minnesota, now considers carrying a burner phone for added security, fearing scrutiny due to his name.

Since the Trump administration tightened immigration enforcement, travelers from traditionally visa-exempt countries like France, Germany, and Canada have reported being detained, deported, or subjected to extensive searches. In one case, a Lebanese doctor with a valid visa was deported after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) found videos on her phone deemed sympathetic to Hezbollah.

CBP insists such device searches aren’t politically motivated and predate the administration. However, critics argue the lack of clear legal standards creates uncertainty. Saira Hussain from the Electronic Frontier Foundation says CBP claims the authority to search devices without a warrant under the “border search exception.”

French, British, and Canadian citizens have reported extended detentions, some lasting weeks, over alleged visa violations or questionable phone content. Jasmine Mooney, a Canadian woman, was held for 12 days after reapplying for a work visa. Rebecca Burke from the UK was detained nearly three weeks due to misunderstandings about her accommodation.

Even U.S. citizens have been impacted, like Lennon Tyler, whose fiancé was detained for allegedly violating visa terms.

Governments including the UK and France have updated travel advisories, warning citizens about potential detentions. Legal experts now recommend precautions like uploading sensitive data to the cloud and consulting attorneys before travel.