Are you going to the USA as a tourist? Well, you may believe you're controversy-free and have never criticized anyone including current American leaders.
But remember, your phone, which holds all your WhatsApp images and random internet content, could cause serious trouble at the port of entry. Yes, immigration authorities are indeed finding one reason or another to scrutinize travelers.
Even the most harmless or obscure image in your phone could be used to accuse you of being "anti-American."
Mads Mikkelsen, a 21-year old Norwegian tourist, was detained for five hours by US Customs at Newark Airport.
He says the issue started when agents found a meme on his phone showing US Vice President JD Vance with a bald, egg shaped head.
Mikkelsen explained it was just a joke, but an officer accused him of having “dangerous extremist propaganda.” He was forced to unlock his phone and was questioned about drugs, terrorism and extremism.
Mikkelsen admitted to using cannabis legally in Germany and New Mexico. US law allows denial of entry for past drug use, even if legal abroad. Customs later stated that his drug use not the meme was the reason for denying entry.
The incident caused distress to Mikkelsen, who faced strip searches, blood tests, and had his passport wrongly marked as Spanish. He now says he won’t return to the US while the current government is in power.
Online, some international users are questioning whether the US is still a democracy or drifting toward authoritarianism.
Known globally for championing freedom of speech and expression, many are shocked that a harmless meme could trigger such intense treatment in a country often viewed as a symbol of liberty. If the immigration officers don't like your face, they may dig into your details until they find something to deport you, says this incident.
So tourists! beware! USA is of course a developed dream land, but sometimes end up nightmarish.
