"Cell phones may be confiscated" (in customs hall)
Just flew back into USA from Canada this morning. First time through Newark (usually use Boston).
Usual crew announcement, "You may now use you cell phones as we taxi towards the gate" - but then added "However, when entering the Customs and Immigration Hall you must switch them off again as they may be confiscated if you are caught using them in the Customs area".
Now - apart from it being darned rude and (probably) unnecessary, what would be their reasons for "confiscation" of cell phones if used in the Customs Hall??? Photos on the camera phone I could (kind of) understand - but phone calls? What harm?