Customs/Security Clearance in PHX
 

This was my first arrival into PHX from an international flight (on HP).

After clearing customs, I left my checked bag for re-checking to my onward flight, and then was directed up an elevator DIRECTLY INTO THE SECURED AREA OF THE TERMINAL! No security re-check, nothing. Considering that everyone had access to their checked bags when clearing customs, this shocked me.

Is this the normal practice in Phoenix? If so, how alarming! Does someone have more info on this?