I thought that was basic opsec. Burner phone with a week of use, paid in cash on you. Real phone (if you need it) in a bag, battery removed and separate by any means. That's not just crossing borders, that's anything longer than a city bus.
Dude, I practice opsec crossing county lines sometimes, what's your excuse? This is how it's always been, you all are just realizing how a dude from Queens and Jersey sees the world. That's all that dumbass is. He's no better than his roots.