Warrantless Digital Device Searches at U.S. Border Ruled Valid (2)

The First Circuit upheld U.S. border security officials’ ability to search travelers’ mobile phones and other digital devices without a warrant, ruling that it’s not a constitutional violation.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit decided Tuesday that such searches are allowed under the First and Fourth Amendments, despite concerns raised over privacy and free speech.

The ruling reverses a district court decision from 2019 that narrowed the scope of digital searches permitted at the border. The First Circuit said it “apparently is the first circuit court to address these questions in a civil action.”

Two types of ...