OP didn't say it was a decision, just the message perceived. If you live outside the US, hearing stories or reading what happens to others is enough to know these things happen, anyway.
Reading a story like this, which is based entirely upon the information provided by Gal, and drawing any widespread conclusion about travel into the US is utterly irrational. From this story there is zero ability to determine if it really happened, or assuming it happened, you have no idea what the actual interactions were like between Gal and CBP agents.
Some of the facts presented don't even make sense. You don't take the fifth when refusing a search. You're relying on the fourth amendment and refusing to consent to a search. Searches like this having nothing to do with self incrimination.
Some of the facts presented don't even make sense. You don't take the fifth when refusing a search. You're relying on the fourth amendment and refusing to consent to a search. Searches like this having nothing to do with self incrimination.