>they would likely react in a very hostile nature if you start trying to do things like point out what they were doing is illegal. I wouldn't lecture them on t

>they would likely react in a very hostile nature if you start trying to do things like point out what they were doing is illegal. I wouldn't lecture them on the law - a border (or the side of the road) isn't the place to debate what is illegal - that just gives them an excuse to claim they felt threatened. I'd just assert my right to remain silent, let them seize the phone, restore from backups when I buy a new one, and contact a civil society organization when I get back out. (And as a practical matter the phone is backed up and I am privileged enough to be able to buy a new one if needed)