Fact Check: At some borders People's social media checked if critical of trump

Fact Check: "At some borders People's social media checked if critical of Trump"

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has increased scrutiny of travelers' electronic devices, including phones and social media accounts, particularly for those expressing criticism of the Trump administration. A notable incident involved a French scientist who was denied entry to the U.S. after border agents discovered messages on his phone that were critical of Trump’s policies. According to France’s Minister of Higher Education, Philippe Baptiste, the researcher was expelled due to these messages, which were deemed to reflect "hatred toward Trump" and potentially linked to terrorism. This incident highlights a broader trend where CBP has been reported to use social media content as a basis for determining admissibility into the U.S. (Northeastern University, The Guardian).

Analysis

The claim that social media is checked at borders, especially for critical remarks about Trump, is supported by multiple credible sources. The incident involving the French scientist is corroborated by both the French government and various news outlets. The Northeastern University article explains that under the border search doctrine, CBP agents have broad authority to search electronic devices without a warrant, which includes the ability to examine social media posts. This legal framework allows for searches that would typically require probable cause under normal circumstances.

Furthermore, the Guardian article details the specific case of the French scientist, providing a direct example of how critical comments about the Trump administration led to a denial of entry. The implications of this practice raise concerns about freedom of expression and the potential for political bias in the enforcement of immigration laws.

While some sources, like the DHS report, may downplay the frequency or significance of such incidents, the consistency of reports from reputable outlets indicates a troubling pattern. The reliability of the sources cited, including government statements and expert opinions, lends credence to the claim that social media scrutiny at borders has been influenced by political considerations.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The evidence supports the claim that U.S. border agents have checked social media for critical comments about the Trump administration, leading to the denial of entry for individuals based on their expressed opinions. The case of the French scientist serves as a clear example of this practice, which is further backed by legal experts discussing the expansive powers of border agents regarding electronic searches.

Sources

1. 100 Days of Fighting Fake News
2. Can Border Patrol Search Your Phone? A Legal Expert Explains
3. French scientist denied US entry after phone messages ...
4. Law firm alert for US citizens to 'delete apps' over border ...
5. Trump's Social Media Surveillance: Social Scoring by ...
6. CBP denies travelers entry because of anti-Trump comments
7. Your Social Media Could Get You Banned At The Border
8. Border Patrol Checking US Visitors' Phones, Social Media