American Prosecuted for Wiping Phone Using Duress Passcode During Border Search

An American individual, identified in reports as Tunick, is being prosecuted for wiping his phone by entering a duress passcode during a U.S. border search. The phone ran GrapheneOS, a custom Android operating system for Google Pixel devices, which includes a feature allowing users to set a secondary passcode that triggers a full device wipe. The case raises legal questions about constitutional rights at U.S. borders, where authorities assert broader search powers. Tunick was not under arrest at the time of the incident, and the prosecution centers on the use of the duress passcode feature. GrapheneOS maintains the feature is legal and constitutionally protected, arguing that laws restricting its use would be unconstitutional. The incident occurred in July 2026, with multiple news outlets covering the case.