Are you aware that your person and possessions can be searched at a border crossing without a warrant and without probable cause? Probably. Aware that the search can include copying all the information contained on your laptop, cell phone, and camera? Probably not.
The Department of Homeland Security's suspicionless search policy applies to both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens, and subjects travelers to the possibility of having their most personal information — such as financial records, family photographs and lists of Web sites visited — reviewed by government agents. Between October 1, 2008 and June 2, 2010, over 6,500 people — nearly 3,000 of them U.S. citizens — were subjected to a search of their electronic devices as they crossed U.S. borders. DHS claims it has the right to conduct these invasive searches whenever it likes, to whomever it likes, and without having any individualized suspicion.
In September, the ACLU, the New York Civil Liberties Union and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers filed a lawsuit challenging the DHS policy where they have no reason to believe a search would reveal wrongdoing.
Glenn Greenwald writes how DHS is using the policy to harass Bradley Manning supporters. And it's not a stretch to see other "government opponents", such as members of peace groups, the media, and intellectuals targeted as well, if they haven't been already.
As Greenwald points out, the searches are especially abusive because the Government knows it could never get a search warrant for an electronic device, so they take full advantage at the borders.