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Bush Administration Sought to Approve Physical Searches

HeadlineMar 20, 2006

In the United States, US News & World Report has revealed the Bush administration attempted to add another component to its warrantless spy program in the days after the 9/11 attacks: physical searches. According to the magazine, the Bush administration argued for the right to conduct warrantless physical searches on the same grounds it’s claimed for its domestic spy program. The White House has argued it was granted this authority under the Congressional measure authorizing the use of force to respond to the 9/11 attacks. A government official said FBI Director Robert Mueller objected to the warrantless physical searches, “not only because of the blowback issue but also because of the legal and constitutional questions raised by warrantless physical searches.” Thomas Nelson, an Oregon attorney representing a terror suspect said he believes he was subjected to the searches. He said his attempts to inquire under the Freedom of Information act have been rebuffed by the National Security Agency.

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