Originally Posted by
law dawg
Probable Cause is NOT necessary at a border search, up to and including computers.
A CBP officer at a POE can essentially search anything or anyone he or she wants, for little to no cause.
The only search that requires some articulation is a body cavity.
Patdowns require at least one articulable fact. Example: Passenger had an unexplained bulge around his/her midsection.
Each level on increased search requires further evidence/suspicion and may involve Chief Counsel, the Port Director, or court order.
Levels include: partial removal of clothing, x-ray of body, cavity search and/or monitored bowel movement.