As an Australian who wrote about the demonstrations while on campus, I gave my phone a superficial clean before flying to the U.S. I underestimated what I was up against.
From the ACLU, it sounds like having an attorney’s number and asking for a supervisor might have been helpful steps. Still seems like obvious free speech suppression by CBP though.
Refusal by non-citizen visa holders and visitors to answer questions may result in denial of entry.
If the officers’ questions become intrusive or improper, you should complain and ask to speak to a supervisor. (This goes for citizens, lawful permanent residents, or non-citizen visa holders and visitors.) Although CBP takes the position that you are not entitled to an attorney during primary and secondary inspection, we encourage you to have the telephone number of an attorney or legal services organization with you and ask to contact them if you feel your rights are being violated or if you have been detained for an unusually long period.
From the ACLU, it sounds like having an attorney’s number and asking for a supervisor might have been helpful steps. Still seems like obvious free speech suppression by CBP though.