I spent two days in the Louvre. On my way home, I flew from Paris to JFK, New York. My husband and I were stopped, detained, and 2 guys from the US border protection services asked us to open our phones and give those to them. They said that if the phone is open, it would be quick and I’d get it back in a couple of hours. They also gave us a paper with a local phone to call about our phones. Mind you, it’s been a week of not receiving the phones back. The suggested number to call doesn’t work (no one answers it). I’ve been a US citizen for over 15 years and immigrated to the States over 26 years ago. I’m an artist, writer and educator who was stopped and detained. We pay all taxes and contribute to this economy and society in every way we can. None of the reasons listed in the paper applied to us besides the ‘random search’ one. Obviously, it’s not random.
If you’re about to travel abroad, please know that you have a legal right not to give them passwords or codes but you have to give up the device at their request.
This statue of liberty is located near Strasbourg in France. It’s a representation of freedom and democracy for most Americans. Unfortunately, it’s a complete illusion. If you’re a dreamer, understand that this level of targeting civil liberties is getting one step closer to the tyranny of Stalin’s repressions. British people get arrested and jailed for speaking the truth. This erosion of freedom and democracy is real under constant surveillance of this state. Every day a small part of freedom is taken away with a new law you have no idea exists.
Summary of Key Rights as a US citizen generated by ChatGPT:
- You cannot be denied entry as a U.S. citizen.
- CBP can conduct routine searches without suspicion, but advanced or intrusive searches may require reasonable suspicion.
- You are not required to provide passwords for electronic devices, though refusal may result in prolonged detention of the device.
- You do not have the right to an attorney during routine questioning or searches.
- You can refuse to answer non-identity related questions, but this may result in delays or further inspection.
Although border searches do involve reduced protections, CBP must still act within the scope of the law, and unreasonable or abusive actions can be challenged in court. If you feel your rights have been violated, you may wish to consult a civil rights attorney or file a complaint with DHS.
