Anti-Israel journalist sues Homeland Security over seizure of phones upon return from Iran

American journalist Max Blumenthal has sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging that customs officers unlawfully seized his two smartphones at Washington Dulles International Airport on July 10. Blumenthal, who was returning from Iran where he covered the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for The Grayzone, claims he was detained for two and a half hours, questioned about his journalism, and had his phones seized after refusing to unlock them. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee filed the complaint on his behalf, naming DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials as defendants. Blumenthal alleges he was targeted for his views and journalism, citing social media campaigns against him. CBP stated that "Everyone seeking to enter the U.S. is subject to inspection by CBP officers" and that officers may conduct electronic-device searches. Although CBP returned his phones on July 17, stating no data was accessed, Blumenthal seeks accountability for the seizure.