US Border Crossing Guide – Current Border Environment Overview

Current Border Environment Overview

As of August 2025, the US border has seen significant changes in enforcement procedures and policies. Border crossings have dropped to historic lows, with enhanced enforcement measures in place. Approximately one million individuals enter the U.S. daily, with nearly all processed without complications.

Key Statistics (2025)

• June 2025: 25,228 total encounters nationwide — lowest monthly total in CBP history
• February 2025: U.S. Border Patrol nationwide apprehensions averaged approximately 330 per day, the lowest in CBP history
• ICE arrests have doubled, and the number of people in detention is at an all-time high

Enhanced ICE Enforcement in 2025

New Technologies and Procedures

• ICE began using a mobile application, the Mobile Fortify App, that can identify someone through facial recognition in the field
• The application pulls from existing databases: CBP’s Traveler Verification Service and DHS Seizure and Apprehension Workflow
• Efforts have been made to combine personal data from multiple federal agencies to support immigration enforcement, including records from SSA, IRS, OPM, HHS

Increased Resources

• Historic funding allocated to ICE for detention facilities, deportation operations, and additional funds to hire new agents
• Recruitment incentives include a $50,000 sign on bonus and $60,000 college loan forgiveness for sworn police officers

Border Inspection Procedures

Standard Inspection Process

All persons, baggage, and goods entering the U.S. are subject to inspection by CBP officers for compliance with immigration, customs and agriculture regulations.

Primary Inspection:

• Document review (passport, visa, travel documents)
• Brief questioning about travel purpose and duration
• Biometric verification (fingerprints, facial recognition)
• Initial screening for customs and immigration compliance

Secondary Inspection: Secondary inspection can be prompted randomly or if a CBP officer has concerns about your admissibility. It allows officers to verify information without delaying other travelers.

Secondary inspection may involve:

• Detailed questions about your travel plans, immigration history, previous employment in the U.S. and/or prior drug use
• Inquiries about proof of financial ability to support yourself during your stay in the U.S.
• Request proof of enrollment and/or information about your academic program
• Extended document review and verification

Electronic Device Searches

CBP Authority and Scope

CBP has legal authority to question travelers, examine belongings, and inspect electronic devices at the border to determine admissibility and enforce U.S. laws.

Important Statistics:

• Less than 0.01% of travelers have their devices searched
• CBP’s search numbers are consistent with increases since 2021
• While searches of digital devices are still relatively rare, they are increasingly becoming more common at U.S. ports of entry

Who May Be Selected for Device Search:

A variety of circumstances can lead agents to choose a traveler for inspection, including: travelers holding incomplete travel documents; travelers who have previously violated a law that CBP enforces; travelers with a name that matches a person of interest in a government enforcement database; and/or travelers randomly selected.

Device Search Process:

• CBP may request to search cell phones and devices or confiscate them
• CBP policy directs officials conducting searches of electronic devices containing “business or commercial information” to “treat such information as business confidential information”
• U.S. citizens cannot be denied reentry for refusing to unlock devices, but CBP may lawfully seize them
• For foreign nationals, refusal to comply may lead to denial of entry into the United States

Know Your Rights

U.S. Citizens:

• A U.S. citizen cannot be denied entry and cannot be put into immigration detention
• They can have their items confiscated and face questioning or secondary inspections
• Cannot be denied reentry but devices may be seized if access is refused

Visa and Green Card Holders:

• May face additional personal questions, particularly for visa or green card holders whose status is tied to conditions such as studies, employment or marriage
• Must establish admissibility to CBP officer satisfaction
• Refusal to comply with device searches may result in denial of entry

The 100-Mile Border Zone

CBP has cited U.S. immigration law to be able to board a bus or train without a warrant anywhere within 100 air miles, or roughly 115 standard miles, of the U.S.’s borders and coastline. This includes cities not typically considered to be a part of the border like Houston and Los Angeles.

Important Notes:

• CBP agents’ jurisdiction in this zone only applies to immigration violations and federal crimes
• Texas law requires people to provide their name, but people can still choose to otherwise remain silent within this zone

Essential / Required Documentation

For U.S. Citizens:

• Valid U.S. passport (for international travel)
• Note that agents from the Transportation Security Administration will begin checking that a traveler’s state ID was issued under federal Real ID standards

For Immigrants:

• Immigrants should make sure to have their U.S. passport and also have their visa or green card
• Due to expedited removals for immigrants in the country for less than two years, immigrants may want to carry proof that they’ve been in the country for more than two years

Recommended Additional Documents

• Medical prescriptions in original containers
• You should have a valid prescription or doctor’s note—written in English—to bring medication to the U.S.
• Proof of financial support
• Return or onward travel tickets
• Employment or study documentation (if applicable)

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Agriculture Items

• It is best not to bring fresh fruits or vegetables into the United States
• The civil penalty for failing to declare agricultural items at U.S. ports of entry will cost first time offenders $300. The penalty for the second violation goes up to $500

Medications

• Travel with no more than you need for your personal use during your stay. A rule of thumb: Bring no more than a 90-day supply of medication
• The medication should be in its original container with the doctor’s instructions printed on the bottle

US Federal Drug Laws

• Marijuana and other recreational drugs legal in California remain illegal under federal law. Since all U.S. ports of entry operate under federal jurisdiction, possessing, transporting, or admitting past use of marijuana can result in denial of entry or other immigration consequences

Best Practices for Border Crossing

Before Travel

1. Document Preparation
   • Ensure passport validity (6+ months recommended)
   • Review visa requirements and conditions
   • Organize supporting documents
2. Device Security
   • Back up files or data onto company servers or cloud storage
   • Consider traveling without company devices unless necessary for work
   • Remove sensitive or confidential information
   • Files containing confidential information should be marked as such in the document and file name

During Inspection

1. Professional Interaction
   • Remain calm and polite when speaking to CBP officers and provide clear, concise, and truthful answers
   • Avoid jokes or misleading statements
   • Answer questions directly and honestly
   • Have documents organized and easily accessible
2. Secondary Inspection
   • Remain patient and cooperative
   • Provide requested information truthfully
   • Understand this is routine and not necessarily indicative of problems

Emergency Contacts and Resources

Students and Scholars:

• USC Immigration Clinic Emergency Hotline: Students detained by U.S. immigration officials may call (213) 740-7435 and leave a detailed message

General Resources:

• Your embassy or consulate
• Immigration attorney
• Civil rights organizations (ACLU, etc.)

Legal Assistance

• Contact an immigration attorney if detained or denied entry
• Document any concerning treatment or violations
• Know that you have the right to legal representation

Current Trends and Outlook

Enforcement Statistics

• ICE had identified 435,000 unauthorized immigrants with criminal convictions in the United States who were not in custody
• As of the end of May 2025, ICE had arrested 752 non-citizens convicted of murder and 1,693 convicted of sexual assault

Travel Considerations

Given the enhanced enforcement environment, travelers should:

• Allow extra time for border processing
• Be prepared for increased scrutiny
• Have comprehensive documentation ready
• Consider legal consultation for complex immigration situations

Conclusion

The 2025 border environment represents significantly enhanced enforcement with new technologies and increased resources. While nearly all travelers are processed without complications, understanding current procedures and your rights is essential for smooth border crossings.

Key Takeaways:

• Prepare comprehensive documentation
• Understand device search policies
• Know your rights based on citizenship/immigration status
• Allow extra time for processing
• Seek legal advice for complex situations

The border security landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Stay informed about current policies and procedures through official CBP and immigration attorney resources.

This guide is based on publicly available information as of August 2025. Immigration laws and enforcement procedures can change rapidly. Consult with qualified immigration attorneys for specific legal advice.