Disable biometric unlock; you're not required to provide a passcode but you can be required to look at or touch the device. Cross with it turned off.
I don't think the threat of a fine or jail time is real. Even if the agents said that, that's not an actual legal penalty they can apply. They can deny entry to someone on a visa, but they can't deny entry to a citizen or legal resident. They can keep your device, though.
I don't think the threat of a fine or jail time is real. Even if the agents said that, that's not an actual legal penalty they can apply. They can deny entry to someone on a visa, but they can't deny entry to a citizen or legal resident. They can keep your device, though.
https://www.aclutx.org/en/news/can-border-agents-search-your... has a lot of good details.