Question

How did colonist react to the writs of assistance

Answer 1

the British officials in the colonies called for a crackdown on smuggling. Writs of assistance were documents which served as a general search warrant allowing customs officials to enter any ship or building that they suspected for any reason might hold smuggled goods.

Answer 2

In response, the British officials in the colonies called for a crackdown on smuggling. ... Writs of assistance were documents which served as a general search warrant, allowing customs officials to enter any ship or building that they suspected for any reason might hold smuggled goods.