Miami Airport Customs Under Fire: Citizens Speak Out on Hostile Treatment

Miami International Airport, Miami, Florida, United States - In recent months, Miami International Airport (MIA) has become a focal point for unsettling experiences faced by American travelers. Reports have surfaced of citizens being detained and questioned by Customs, raising concerns about the nature of these interactions. In January, for instance, a man returning from Nicaragua had his Global Entry status revoked after clearing customs. Not the best way to wrap up a journey, right? In April, a social-media travel content creator was held for hours as officers scrutinized her online presence and even probed into her father’s immigration status. Three travelers, all American citizens, have voiced their bewilderment and anxiety over perceived mistreatment by Customs at South Florida airports. Miami has, indeed, turned into a hotspot for these alarming customs interactions.

The trend appears to be more than mere coincidence. Reports indicate that U.S. citizens, particularly under the previous Trump administration, have been facing increased scrutiny during their travels. Individuals such as Jose, a barber from North Carolina, experienced this firsthand. He was stopped at MIA after returning from Nicaragua and faced a 30-minute detention—even after clearing customs. He described the experience as intimidating, particularly as a person of color with tattoos. Jose’s Global Entry privileges also didn’t spare him from this unsettling encounter.

Concerns Around Political Targeting

Amid these incidents, allegations of political targeting have surfaced. Some citizens fear that their political beliefs have influenced their treatment by Customs. Travel content creator Savanna reported being questioned for over two hours after returning from Europe, during which officials reviewed her social media and scrutinized her clothing brand, „Trump for the Dump.“ Her claims, alongside those of a popular online figure, Hasan Piker, who was questioned about his political views upon re-entering from France, have sparked significant debate. TikTok users have also shared their experiences, with a viral video from immigration lawyer Brad Bernstein explaining the rights of U.S. citizens and visa holders garnering over 8 million views. Bernstein reminded viewers that constitutional rights kick in only after officially entering the U.S., which can leave many in a vulnerable position at Customs.

It’s worth noting that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that claims of political motivations behind these inspections are baseless. However, the growing anxiety among travelers is palpable. Individuals are now resorting to strategies like carrying burner phones or deleting social media before returning to the United States to shield themselves from customs inquiries.

Searches of Electronic Devices

A significant aspect of the customs experience involves the search of electronic devices. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the jurisdiction to perform inspections, which can include everything from a basic physical search to more invasive methods like downloading information. In 2024 alone, CBP documented 42,725 basic searches and 4,322 advanced searches, primarily targeting non-U.S. citizens. What’s concerning is that travelers aren’t obligated to share their passwords during these inspections, but a refusal may lead to device seizures or other ramifications. While U.S. citizens can’t be denied entry for not complying, they might find their devices held for an extended period—a worrying notion in our digital age.

As savvy travelers know, a little preparation can go a long way. Experts recommend backing up sensitive data, using strong passcodes, and keeping devices on airplane mode when crossing the border to safeguard privacy. Given the heightened concern and the increasing incidence of travelers sharing their stories, it seems wise to take these precautionary measures seriously.

For more on the implications of customs policy changes and travel rights, check out the full reports from Tampa Bay Times, NBC News, and HuffPost. The rights and experiences of travelers are evolving, and it’s critical to stay informed as these stories continue to unfold.