Topic: Border Search

A discussion on the legal realities of the U.S. border notes that constitutional protections, including those for the press, are significantly limited at points of entry. The use of the Espionage Act against whistleblowers and the lack of a federal shield law for reporters are cited as long-standing issues that predated the Trump administration. The segment concludes that "press freedom" is often used as a propaganda tool by major media corporations.

The hosts analyze the timing of the immigration executive order, noting it was officially dated January 30, 2017, despite protests beginning earlier. They clarify that green card holders are technically on probation and do not have the same rights as citizens, including the right to vote. A host shares a personal anecdote about being barred from the Schengen zone despite having valid documentation.

The US Customs and Border Protection agency maintains the authority to search electronic devices, including laptops, at international borders without traditional First Amendment protections. Historical security measures required travelers to boot up laptops to prove they were not explosive devices. A humorous anecdote describes a practical joke involving lead foil cutouts of weapons placed in books to trigger airport x-ray alarms.

Curry plans to record his next encounter with U.S. Customs and Border Protection after being placed on a secondary search list. The hosts discuss the logistics of using a Flip camera or an iRiver IFP-799 digital audio recorder to document the interaction with a team leader at the border.