Internal records obtained by WIRED show that US Customs and Border Protection employees and contractors were accused of misusing sensitive government databases to investigate former partners, romantic interests, relatives and colleagues. The allegations raise concerns about oversight and privacy as border authorities gain wider access to surveillance technologies and personal data.

The records cover 2009 to 2022 and include nearly 300 data-related entries. Of these, 138 were referred to management, 78 to criminal investigators within CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, and 43 recorded for information only; allegations ranged from using travel data to contact people to sharing border-crossing information during a divorce dispute.