Why Are More U.S. Citizens Being Detained at Miami Airport When Returning From Abroad?
In recent months, several American citizens have reported unusual and prolonged encounters with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Miami International Airport (MIA). What unites these incidents is not where the travelers are from—but the fact that they are all U.S. citizens. Many are now raising questions about increasing scrutiny at the border, especially amid concerns tied to heightened security measures under the second Trump administration.
Revoked Global Entry and Social Media Searches at U.S. Airports
In January, a U.S. citizen flying back from Nicaragua arrived at MIA, cleared customs, and waited at baggage claim. By the time he exited the terminal, he discovered his Global Entry privileges had been revoked without warning. In April, a travel content creator active on social media was held at the airport for several hours while CBP officers examined her phone and inquired about her father’s immigration status. Just weeks later, a Miami-based ICU nurse returning from Cuba faced a full baggage search—along with every other passenger on his flight.
Are American Citizens Being Targeted During Routine Customs Checks?
Although it is legal for border agents to stop and question U.S. citizens re-entering the country, there’s growing concern about what many perceive as a surge in targeted inspections of U.S. citizens at airports, especially those of specific ethnic backgrounds or political affiliations. According to multiple firsthand accounts, officers are increasingly requesting access to travelers’ phones, digital media, and even social media accounts.
‘They Don’t Care If You’re a Citizen or Not’: Testimonies From Affected Travelers
Jorge López Gutiérrez, a 41-year-old intensive care nurse who immigrated from Cuba in 2010, frequently travels to visit his wife in Havana. On a recent return trip, he was surprised to find CBP agents checking the luggage of every passenger, regardless of race or citizenship status. “They didn’t care if you were white, Black, Latino, a citizen or not,” he explained. On a separate flight days later, he said other passengers were ordered to hand over their phones and explain how much cash they carried.
U.S. Customs Denies Political Targeting of Travelers
Despite mounting reports, CBP insists it is simply fulfilling its mandate to protect the border. In a public statement, the agency emphasized that fewer than 0.01% of travelers have their devices searched. “We are acting in the best interest of the country and enforcing the law accordingly,” a CBP spokesperson stated. They called accusations of politically motivated targeting “baseless and irresponsible.”
Increased Border Scrutiny Under the Trump Administration: Coincidence or Policy Shift?
Many observers believe the uptick in inspections may correlate with more aggressive immigration and border policies under President Donald Trump’s second term. Though U.S. citizens cannot be denied re-entry, the expanded discretion given to Customs agents has raised fears of racial profiling and ideological vetting.
Other High-Profile Cases of U.S. Citizens Detained at Airports
The issue is not limited to Miami. In Michigan, immigration attorney Amir Makled, who represents a pro-Palestinian student protester, was reportedly stopped at Detroit Metro Airport and asked to hand over his phone. In Chicago, left-wing political commentator Hasan Piker said he was held at O’Hare International for hours and questioned about his views on Gaza, Trump, and other political matters.
How to Protect Your Digital Privacy During International Travel
Travelers concerned about U.S. border phone searches and digital privacy should take precautions before returning to the U.S. Experts recommend minimizing sensitive content on devices, using secure cloud backups, and familiarizing themselves with legal rights regarding digital data at the border.
As stories continue to emerge, the question remains: Is this new level of scrutiny a short-term reaction or a sign of long-term policy change? For now, American citizens—regardless of background—are advised to stay aware and prepared when entering the country through Miami and other major U.S. airports.