That's a nice strawman argument you have there, I don't advocate abuse by customs officials but I also understand reality. You appear to have a rather child like understanding of the world. When people cross international borders customs officials are allowed to detain, search and question people to determine if they are carrying contraband items or are a threat and it has been that way for a long long time. You lose your rights at international border crossings and it isn't just the US. As a dual citizen of Canada and the US I have had my share of run-ins with power tripping customs agents on both the US and Canadian borders. You learn very quickly it is "yes sir, no sir", you don't joke and you are asking for trouble if you give any lip when dealing with customs officials as they have far reaching powers. Do I approve of such treatment? Of course not but none of this is new and it is the reality of crossing borders and believe me, it can and does get much worse in other parts of the world. I have had guns pointed at me and many items stolen right in front of me by customs agents entering several countries in Latin America and if you make a fuss about it they put you in jail. In the real world, when dealing with customs, you learn to keep your mouth shut except to answer questions. You really should get out and experience life more and understand the world isn't a soft and cuddly place where your feelings are more important than laws. I am all for humane and respectful treatment of people when crossing borders but questioning people and searching items brought across international borders does not contradict that. Given your naivety, I would hazard a guess and assume you are pro open borders, not understanding the reality such a policy would have on the country.