Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in EnglishBorder officials are pushing back on reports indicating that the Trump administration is abnormally searching foreigners’ phones at U.S. customs in border airports.Customs and Border Protection (CBP) denied entry to 329 individuals traveling through John F. Kennedy International Airport in February and March, the agency recently announced.According to CBP, officials at the JFK port of entry removed 135 inadmissible aliens in February. In March, officials removed 194 of them at the airport. JFK is the sixth busiest airport in the country by passenger volume and is the most popular U.S. airport for international travelers.The 44 percent month-over-month increase indicates that enforcement operations are ramping up since a memo from the Trump administration ordering ‘enhanced screening.’News of increased arrests and deportations after flying into the United States – including tales of agents searching passengers’ phones for anti-Trump content – have sparked paranoia.The fear is prompting travelers to bring burner phones to avoid being denied entry to the U.S. From a British man who got a job in Minnesota to a French researcher who was traveling to attend a conference in Houston, foreigners heading to America are concerned about having their devices searched by border agents.Muhammed Ihsanullah, 20, a student from England who recently got a job offer to work at a Minnesota summer camp, is still concerned about heading to the US, he recently told NBC News. CBP agents denied entry to nearly 330 travelers at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in February and MarchHe said he may bring a burner phone when he comes to the U.S. next month ‘just so that I have the added security of knowing that no one’s going to go through my phone.”I have a very, you know, stereotypical name as well,’ Ihsanullah added. In another case, American attorney Amir Makled, who is representing a client arrested last year at a pro-Palestinian protest, was asked by customs officials to surrender his phone after returning from a vacation with his family. Makled, 38, is a civil rights attorney and negotiated with authorities over what he would allow them to access. After being detained for 90 minutes, Makled was released, though the agents who questioned him did gain access to his contacts list. But border officials say their efforts are only aimed at halting illegal entry into the homeland and travelers’ phones aren’t being searched improperly.’Claims that CBP is searching more electronic media due to the administration change are false,’ CBP Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham told DailyMail.com The crack down on international travelers comes as foreigners report increased security measures at customs, noting how agents have read through passengers’ phones, messages and social media ‘Under the leadership of the Trump Administration, we have seen a historic decline in illegal immigration,’ Beckham went on.’This reduction has allowed our law enforcement personnel to get back to doing law enforcement work, like conducting thorough vetting and interviews.’She also reassured passengers in good legal standing have nothing to fear when going through customs, noting the measures are designed to protect US national security. ‘Those intending to enter the U.S. with fraudulent purposes or malicious intent are offered the following advice: Don’t even try.”If statutes or visa terms are violated, travelers may be subject to detention and removal. A visa is a privilege, not a right, and only those who respect our laws and follow the proper procedures will be welcomed.’But in late March, a French researcher was reportedly denied entry to the U.S. after landing in Houston after authorities searched his phone. ‘A French researcher on assignment for the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) who was traveling to a conference near Houston was denied entry to the United States before being expelled,’ French Minister for Higher Education and Research Philippe Baptiste said in a statement. Trump directed border officials to vet and screen incoming travelers ‘to the maximum degree possible’ in an order earlier this year Travelers que at New York City’s JFK airport The researcher was denied entry because of personal opinions he had expressed on his phone about Trump, the French minister added. But CBP pushes back on the notion that phone searches have increased under Trump.’CBP’s search numbers are consistent with increases since 2021, and less than 0.1% of travelers have their devices searched,’ Beckham shared.’These searches are conducted to detect digital contraband, terrorism-related content, and information relevant to visitor admissibility, all of which play a critical role in national security.’ A TSA officer gives directions to passengers at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 8 Customs and Border Protection officer watches over travelers at Los Angeles International Airport’Allegations that political beliefs trigger inspections or removals are baseless and irresponsible,’ Beckham told DailyMail.com. The paranoia over enhanced border searches comes on the heels of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cracking down on illegal immigrants and students on visas. It also coincides with warnings from foreign governments like Germany and Denmark advising their citizens against traveling to the U.S. without taking precautions.
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