ACLU Sues Homeland Security Over Border Laptop Searches

08.27.09 | FL News Team

The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a suit against the Department of Homeland Security wanting to know what information the government has retrieved from searching laptop computers at border crossings.

Border agents were given the approval to search laptops and electronic devices in July 2008.  The ACLU and critics of the policy contend it's an invasion of privacy and violates the First and Fourth Amendments.  Proponents say it's necessary for protection and to ensure border safety.

In June the ACLU filed a Freedom of Information request to see what documents agents had seized.  After being stonewalled by Homeland Security, the ACLU thought a lawsuit was the next step.  Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is currently reviewing the laptop search order for a possible revamp of the policy.