Nobody forces you to go there, and especially play secret agent. If you go, you know that what you have can be searched so have nothing, or have something that is not controversial.
The same applies to all the countries in the world.
Extraordinary rendition https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraordinary_rendition
Coups https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_involvement_in_r...
Wars https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_involving_the_Uni...
Otherwise yes, you are right - they are bullies.
They will try to bully us in many other ways but this has nothing to do with the devices and how to hide stuff.
If you believe these rights are not important, that's your own opinion. But I think it's perfectly valid to criticize attacks on human rights.
So either I go or I don't go. If I go and comply I am fine. If I go and do not comply I am in trouble. If I go and try to sneak stuff I am in trouble.
I am not sure where this is complicated. We are not talking about ethics, but about some crazy ideas to hide stuff. This is irresponsible and dumb.
Same for this. Whether we like it or not, some stuff on your phone are now considered contraband at the US border. Either don't bring them or don't visit.
I feel no moral or legal obligation to let them search through all my stuff just because of their policies, which don't seem at all compliant with our highest laws and ideals.
The source is here: https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/martin-nie...