In recent years, particularly under the current U.S. administration, there has been a notable increase in surveillance at airports and border crossings. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are now empowered to search digital devices such as phones, laptops, and tablets without warrants.

For Muslims and others who face scrutiny due to their religious or political affiliations, or ties to regions under surveillance, this trend raises serious concerns about privacy, profiling, and civil liberties.

While both U.S. and international law recognize the right to privacy, the “border exception” allows CBP to inspect personal digital devices. These searches can include access to emails, social media accounts, photos, and app data.

Travelers have reported being questioned about their religious beliefs, mosque attendance, and political views. To help protect your privacy and security while traveling, consider taking the following proactive steps:

1. Minimize Data on Devices

Before traveling, consider using a “clean device”—a phone or laptop with minimal personal data. Back up your content to a secure cloud service and delete sensitive files. Remove apps that store private communication or that could be misinterpreted. Even encrypted apps like Signal or WhatsApp may invite deeper scrutiny; temporarily removing them can help reduce complications.

2. Encrypt and Secure Your Data

Enable encryption on your devices using strong, alphanumeric passwords—not just biometric logins like fingerprints or facial recognition, which officers may compel you to use. Tools like VeraCrypt can help encrypt specific files or partitions, which is especially useful if you're carrying religious, political, or work-related materials.

3. Use Cloud Storage Thoughtfully

Store sensitive documents in secure cloud platforms with two-factor authentication. This ensures your data remains inaccessible even if your device is searched. Log out of all accounts and remove authentication apps before traveling to further safeguard access.

4. Be Mindful of Social Media and Browsing History

Agents may request access to your social media. Review your profiles, posts, and liked content—especially anything that could be taken out of context. Consider using a secondary device without linked accounts or browser history. Avoid mass deletion just before travel, as this can appear suspicious; instead, curate your online presence regularly.

5. Know Your Rights

U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry for refusing to unlock a device, though they may face delays or device confiscation. For green card holders and visa travelers, the consequences may be more serious. Consulting an immigration attorney before travel is advisable. Various civil liberty organizations offer legal advice and resources for dealing with border searches. 

6. Advocate and Stay Informed

Stay connected with civil rights groups challenging unjust surveillance practices. Support advocacy efforts and community education. Civic engagement is essential to defending constitutional protections for all travelers.

In this climate of increased scrutiny, taking steps to protect your digital privacy is not just prudent—it’s empowering. By staying informed, prepared, and vigilant, Muslims and other at-risk individuals can travel with greater confidence and peace of mind.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert for guidance related to your specific situation.