San Francisco (CNN Business) The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Northern California has filed a civil complaint on behalf of an Apple employee who was detained by US Customs and Border Protection.

Andreas Gal, who wrote a Medium post about his experience, was detained at San Francisco International Airport on November 29, according to the complaint. The US citizen was returning from a business trip to Europe when he says he was interrogated and asked to unlock his employer-issued smartphone and laptop for inspection. Gal, concerned about violating non-disclosure agreements he'd signed with Apple, asked to consult with either his employer or an attorney.

The complaint says that at that point the CBP officers "retaliated" by telling Gal he was "committing a federal crime" and revoking his Global Entry status. Global Entry is a program offered by CBP that pre-approves low-risk travelers and gives them expedited clearance to enter the United States. Members of the paid service enter the United States using automatic kiosks at select airports. (Gal used the kiosk initially but was directed to speak with a customs officer.)

Gal told CNN Business that they did not gain entry to his devices.

The complaint, filed with the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, asks for an investigation into whether CBP's interrogation and search violated Gal's First and Fourth Amendment rights. It also wants a review of CBP's policies to see if they violate the US Constitution and laws.

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