The Fourth Amendment says authorities can't search you or your things without probable cause and a warrant. But U.S. immigration authorities have long claimed that this constitutional mandate doesn't apply to them, at least not when it comes to searching people—including American citizens—who are entering or exiting the United States.
Under current Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, agents are allowed to seize and search your stuff—including your cellphone, your laptop, or any other electronic devices—without a warrant and without suspicion if you're around the border or flying into or out of the country.
