Originally Posted by
polonius
A CBP officer (or any other government agent) can ASK you anything s/he wants -- but you don't have to answer. When the question is inappropriate, as it was in this case, I'd refuse to answer and file a formal complaint.
And if I refuse to answer, won't I be creating a mess for myself? I'd feel more comfortable refusing to answer an inappropriate question to say, a police officer, as it seems anything airline related is a grey area and the pax usually loses.
Look at the video I saw on here of the Ron Paul supporter with the cash, for instance...