An Appeals Court panel has ruled that federal agents can legally search through travelers’ cell phones without reasonable suspicion, probable cause, or a warrant when they cross an international border.
An Appeals Court panel has ruled that federal agents can legally search through travelers’ cell phones without reasonable suspicion, probable cause, or a warrant when they cross an international border.
The lie would likely be what gets you in trouble. The basic truth would probably be safer.
a: “Why is this phone empty?”
b: “Because I performed a reset on it.”
a: “Why did you perform a reset on it?”
b: “Because I wanted to. I’m not aware of any law I broke in how I deal with my own property.”
Your phone will likely still be seized and you may still get questioned, but you’ve broken no laws. However, don’t take my advice. IANAL
Honestly, the best response is probably just repeating “Lawyer” until you have one with you
“Ignorance of the [fuzzily-defined conveniently enforcement-friendly constitution-dodging illegal law that violates your rights] doesn’t exclude you from its consequences!”