Broad Laptop Search Authorities Claimed At the Border

Newly released documents confirm that U.S. government border officials assert authority to rifle through the contents of laptop computers, cell phones and flash drives that travelers bring into the United States, even when officials have no suspicion that a device contains evidence of a crime. Devices can be taken from travelers, removed to a remote location, examined by officials unknown to the travelers, and returned days, weeks, or even months later.