Right, but in this case, when there isn't a crime. When they're looking for evidence to charge you with or use as a reason to deport or something in that area. In that case, can that be construed as Obstruction of Justice?
There wasn't a crime, until you deceived officers. It doesn't matter if you deceived them to cover up a crime, or to protect your privacy, or just for fun, it's still illegal.
This being illegal is equally as bad them searching devices in the first place without just cause.
> For all the authorities know, it was a clean device i.e., brand new
Just because you can get away with something doesn't mean it isn't a crime.
Lying to or misleading investigators is a crime, I don't know how to be more clear than that.
I would argue their invasion of privacy is a crime but no one is watching the watchers, thus these types of measures are going to be used.