Disclosed Customs policy says you can be searched for no reason

BY STEPHANIE SANCHEZ, SUN STAFF WRITER
August 12, 2008 - 5:30PM

When crossing the border into the United States, things such as your laptop computer, cell phone or iPod can be temporarily impounded and examined by any federal agent seeking information about drug smuggling, terrorism or national security matters.

The policies have actually been in effect for a number of years but were disclosed by the Deparment of Homeland Security on July 16. It could potentially affect anyone who owns a cell phone, students who bring laptops across the border to classes, business people who constantly travel across the border or if you simply own a pager, iPod or CDs.

Customs and Border Protection officers may examine documents, books, pamphlets and other printed material, as well as computers, disks, hard drives and other electronic or digital storage devices which are a crucial tool for detecting information concerning terrorism, narcotics smuggling and other national security matters, according to the policies.

Also, federal agents will look for information concerning alien admissibility, contraband including child pornography, monetary instruments and information in violation of copyright or trademark laws, the policies state.

Officials said such procedures have long been in place but were disclosed last month because of public interest in the matter, according to a news article published in the Washington Post.