Activist charged with felony for using phone's 'duress code' at border

During a hearing, government attorneys stated that Tunick was subjected to a standard secondary interrogation where agents were searching for prohibited items. However, Tunick's legal team contends that he was targeted due to his activism with the group Defend the Atlanta Forest, which opposes the construction of a law enforcement training facility. According to his lawyers, Tunick was on a watch list, and CBP had discussed detaining him for suspected terrorism activities.

Tunick claims he was not read his rights and that his requests for legal counsel were denied. CBP agents reportedly told Tunick they wanted to search his phone for evidence of child sexual abuse, threatening confiscation if he did not unlock the device. The government maintains broad authority to examine electronic devices at the border. GrapheneOS, the operating system on Tunick's phone, is known for privacy features including a duress code designed to remotely wipe the device.