. . . but it's a great idea. Thanks!

. . . that is pisses me off to no end that, in 2025 in the United States of America, I have to spend so much as 10 seconds worth of emotional and psychic energy on this question. But such are the realities in which we all now live.

having been abroad for several months- in Japan,
Thailand and China. He removed the SIM card from his iPhone and stored them separately in his luggage and re-entered the US with a burner phone.

He had no problems.

Over the years, I’ve posted a lot of comments and articles with commentary criticizing Trump and Republicans. It would take quite a while to delete all my comments from DU, the NYT, the Washington Post, Facebook, messages, and email. I’ve thought about getting a burner phone to take with me, but that seems like a dead giveaway, and I also travel with my iPad. I’ll be eager to here other readers’ comments. I also wonder whether it would make a difference if you’re going through Customs in a blue state versus a red state.

. . . Unfortunately, I'll be re-entering the country in Dallas.

This is what I did. I got Global Entry which made my entry easier than I have ever had it. I did turn off my IPAD that I carry and put it away. I removed all social media apps from my phone and turned it off. I removed my history, etc. I also removed facial recognition to open phone. Lots of articles with recommendations of what to do.

My Global Entry interview was also easy but I’m a senior white woman I know it is easier for me

I did exactly what you recommended re the apps, history, face recognition on my phone. And I power it off before crossing back into the US. But I want to say more about Global Entry. Even if you travel internationally once every year or so, Global Entry is a good deal. It makes re-entry super simple PLUS it includes TSA Precheck. It costs only about $20 more than TSA Precheck alone.

The customs and border patrol officer we encountered couldn't be bothered to care. We're used to filling out a CBP form on the plane - none were provided, so I figured we'd be standing around writing on walls or any other flat surface to fill it out.

The officer had a copy posted on his interview window - I asked if we were supposed to fill one out. His response was "They don't pay me enough. It's just there to remind people what's on it." He didn't even ask us if we had anything to declare.

It was the most lackadaisical interaction I've had at the border - in contrast to what I expected in Houston, in these times.

We didn't encounter any ICE agents.

I did turn my phone off, but I didn't do anything else. As someone who is relatively privileged (white, educated, born in this country, access to money and people), if they want to pick on me, I have the resources to survive it - and potentially to embarrass them.

One other possibility - if you have a travel SIM card, you can just leave that in. Chances that it will work in the US are slim to none.

coming back from Peru...had a much harder time entering Qatar and Uraguay

. . . not sure if that will be different from Houston.

Thanks for the info!

I read not to use burner phone. They know you have a burner phone and want to know why. This can cause more questioning and bring more attention to you.

This is also good to know!

I travel internationally a lot. No one will hassle you about your phone unless you have a warrant for Epstein-like crimes. Going through immigration is no different than it was during the Biden years.

I just returned from two weeks visiting old friends in France. I too was worried about reentry.

In the end I decided to risk it. Other than FB, all my online political commentary is anonymous.

I was advised to turn off face recognition but I decided not to do that. Traveling alone in a country where I don't know the language, I realized that I needed to keep things simple.

I had no problems with reentry, other than being asked some odd questions by the agent. He asked if I had a good time, and when I said yes, he asked "But you're happy to be home, right?" I knew the correct answer to that was yes.

Then I volunteered that I probably owed duty on some items I'd bought at the airport. They were very helpful and kind.

I'm certain that it matters that I'm a grey-haired older white lady. I'm very sad that it's come to that.

. . . my hair is now completely grey/white. Hopefully that will help!

Delete the social media apps and just say, “I do not do social media”. Then reinstall, everything will be the same.

Doubt anyone will be checking in detail unless there is a flag, time is what it is.