DHS Sued Over Laptop Searches at Border

The Department of Homeland Security is being sued by the ACLU and others over searches performed on laptop computers possessed by cross-border travelers.

It's claimed that the laptop searches are unconstitutional, violating the prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures.

Matt Chandler, deputy press secretary for the Division of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., said the agency performs laptop searches sparingly, as a security measure.

“While we cannot comment on pending litigation, searches of laptops and other electronic media during secondary inspection are a targeted tool that Customs and Border Protection uses in limited circumstances to ensure that dangerous people and unlawful goods do not enter our country,” he said in an e-mail to the Press-Republican.

“The department has been transparent about these searches — the policies themselves, as well as a privacy impact assessment of the policies, are available on DHS.gov.”

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York.