Border agents threatened to “be dicks,” take my phone if I didn’t unlock it

> After he unlocked his iPhone SE, agents took it out of sight for five to 10 minutes before giving it back and sending him on his way.

I would have let them keep it, or thrown it away.

>There was a chance that they would eventually find and search my laptop anyway, but I thought if I turned over my phone, they might be satisfied with that. I unlocked my phone and handed it over. The agent asked for my passcode. I selectively ignored him and chose instead to answer the other agent's questions about some items in my bag. I assume the agent with the phone decided to take it while it was still unlocked rather than wait for me to answer and risk having the phone relock and me change my mind.

Genius. 5-10 minutes after "giving in" he was on his way, laptop unsearched. This suggests a defense - have two phones...

I wonder what the next step is once people are used to this kind of abuse.