Border agents in NY, CT, VT can search phones without warrant

The US Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on September 17, 2026, that border agents can manually search travelers' phones without a warrant or suspicion. The decision applies to all entry points in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont and covers messages, photos, financial data, and location history.

• Court cited Fourth Amendment border search exception
• Case United States v. Alisigwe: phone searched twice at JFK without warrant
• Judge Eunice Lee dissented, requiring at least reasonable suspicion
• Rights advocates advise travelers to use separate devices