Press Statement The ruling endangers the freedoms of speech, press, and association, the Knight Institute says September 17, 2026 United States v. Alisigwe A Second Circuit case addressing warrantless cellphone searches at the border NEW YORK—The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit today held that border agents may search travelers’ electronic devices without suspicion. The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) submitted an amicus brief in the case, arguing that the court should require the government to obtain a warrant before searching electronic devices at the border, given the implications of those searches for the First Amendment freedoms of speech, association, and the press, and the Fourth Amendment right to privacy.  “Today’s decision leaves Americans’ most sensitive information open to search at the border without any suspicion at all,” said Scott Wilkens, senior counsel at the Knight First Amendment…