CBP Sets Record: 55,424 Phone Searches At U.S. Border In FY2025 As Forensic Tools Expand

CBP conducted a record ~55,424 electronic device searches in FY2025—up roughly 17% year over year—with acceleration in the last two quarters. Most (51,061) were basic inspections; 4,363 were advanced forensic searches using tools like Cellebrite, GrayKey, and Magnet AXIOM. Courts remain split on warrant requirements for advanced searches, and recent traveler detentions/denials tied to phone content have intensified privacy and diplomatic concerns.