Federal officials claim a phone-blocking method now violates the law

At a U.S. border checkpoint, agents sought to search a passenger’s smartphone. The traveler used a security-focused approach that prevented the device from being examined. Federal officials have responded by labeling the use of that method as a criminal offense. Law-enforcement representatives emphasized the seriousness of obstructing a lawful search. The incident has reignited debate over the balance between privacy rights and governmental power to access digital information. No further details about the individual or the technology involved were provided.