TECHNOLOGY · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
U.S. Customs Agent Seized Traveler’s Phone at Miami Airport, Sparks Lawsuit Over Data Copying
WHY IT MATTERS
The lawsuit raises questions about the limits of federal power to access personal devices without warrants and the protection of travelers’ digital privacy.
What happened
Thomas Kennedy, an Argentinian‑American writer and immigration advocate, has filed a lawsuit against the federal government after a Customs and Border Protection agent at Miami International Airport demanded his phone during a routine re‑entry inspection. Kennedy alleges the agent physically searched his bags, questioned him about his books and magazines, and threatened that refusal to hand over the phone would prolong the interrogation and could result in the device being retained indefinitely.
He claims the agent copied data from the phone and is now seeking its deletion.
The case highlights concerns about privacy and the extent of government authority during border crossings.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Returning from vacation? The government can search your phone without a warrant.
Ars Technica · Cyrus Farivar · Discovery only; Condé Nast copyright terms apply
CORRECTIONS & UPDATES
- Revision 1 · Initial ingestion · Sep 30, 2026, 11:30 PM
- Revision 2 · Source update detected · Sep 30, 2026, 11:30 PM