New bill would require warrant for cell phone search

Those crossing into the United States might have to hand over any electronic devices.

Currently Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can search any of your devices before letting you in to the states. That’s something Capital Hill is hoping to change with a bill that would require a warrant before searching devices.

Currently American citizens who refuse to hand over their devices can’t be denied entry into the U.S. but they can be detained for several hours.

As the law stands now they can even ask for social media passwords. We asked locals crossing into the U.S. what they thought of the new bill.

“That’s the way it should be. It’s your business as long as it’s not illegal,” says Raymond Meyers from Mesa.

While Meyers agreed with the bill his wife didn’t.

“I think if they want to check it they should be able to, because there is so many ways people get stuff out there and that just keeps everybody safe,” says Annette Meyers.

Other people we talked to said they weren’t concerned since they left their devices behind.

“I don’t really have a lot of thought about it because it’s never been a problem. I turn my cell phone off. I leave it at home. It’s no problem,” says Yuma resident David Bledsoe.

CBP conducted 24,000 electronic searches in 2016 which was up by 5,000 from 2015. The sponsors of the bill that would require a warrant to search devices argue that it’s against the Fourth Amendment to search and seize electronic devices even if it’s not on American soil.

We’ll keep you updated on this bill and where it goes. In the mean time if you’re worried about your electronic devices and your privacy most recommend to just leave them behind.