If you’re planning a trip to the US, you might want to brace yourself for tougher scrutiny at the border.
As part of former President Donald Trump’s ongoing immigration crackdown, visitors to the US are facing harsher questioning, and some are even being denied entry or detained.
This change in approach, described as “enhanced vetting” by US officials, is now affecting holidaymakers and legal immigrants alike.
Stricter Warnings for UK Tourists Heading to the US
The UK’s Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for citizens heading to the US, now warning that those who fail to comply with entry rules could face arrest or detention.
Previously, the advice only stated that US authorities set and enforce entry regulations.
This new, more serious tone reflects the increased scrutiny that visitors are now experiencing, as border control agents take a more aggressive stance.
Potential Consequences for Expressing Anti-Trump Views
One concerning trend that’s emerged is the suspicion that some people are being denied entry for expressing views critical of Donald Trump.
For instance, a French scientist was reportedly turned away after border officials discovered anti-Trump messages on his phone.
Similarly, British artist Becky Burke found herself detained and handcuffed in Tacoma, Washington, after being classified as an “illegal alien.”
She had tried to cross the border with an incorrect visa, and her parents believe her attempt to help families with chores violated the terms of her tourist visa.
French Researcher Detained for Personal Opinions on Trump
A particularly dramatic case involved a French space researcher traveling to a conference in Houston.
He was stopped for a random airport search, and officials allegedly found messages expressing personal opinions against Trump, which they considered “hateful” and potentially linked to terrorism.
Though the FBI initially opened an investigation, the charges were later dropped.
The researcher was sent back to Europe, with his personal and professional equipment confiscated.
The French government has condemned the treatment, stressing that the researcher’s views were personal and should not have affected his ability to travel.
However, US authorities claim that the scientist had unauthorized confidential information on his devices, which he tried to conceal.
Other Tourists Facing Detention or Deportation
It’s not just researchers and artists facing these challenges.
Tourists from around the world have found themselves detained at the US border.
For example, German tourist Jessica Brösche was arrested when she attempted to cross from Tijuana to San Diego.
Accused of working illegally under the ESTA visa waiver program, Brösche was held in a San Diego cell for days before being sent to ICE custody and later transferred to a detention center.
Similarly, Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney was detained for nearly two weeks after attempting to enter the US with a revoked work visa.
Mooney described the conditions in the detention center as harsh and emotionally traumatic.
She detailed her experience of being detained in chains, isolated, and treated unfairly, leading her to speak out about the unjust treatment faced by women in custody.
Trump’s Executive Orders and Their Impact on Border Control
The rise in border detentions and increased scrutiny of tourists comes as a direct result of Trump’s “Securing Our Borders” executive order, signed shortly after his inauguration.
This order has empowered US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to take a much more aggressive stance toward immigration enforcement, with many individuals now being stopped and searched based on their electronic devices.
While CBP claims that such actions are in line with national security goals, there’s growing concern that these measures are being used to target individuals based on their political opinions rather than legitimate security concerns.
Despite these claims, CBP maintains that they are merely enforcing immigration law, and that any violations of immigration status or inappropriate content found on personal devices will result in further action.
The Growing Challenge for Tourists Visiting the US
As these cases continue to rise, it’s clear that tourists visiting the US may face new challenges that weren’t as prevalent before.
Whether it’s the risk of detention for minor visa violations or being turned away due to personal views, travelers are being forced to navigate an increasingly uncertain and unpredictable system.
For now, travelers are urged to ensure they follow the entry requirements closely and to be prepared for intense questioning and searches at the border.
It’s clear that US border control is shifting its focus toward stricter enforcement, and tourists could face significant consequences if they don’t comply with the rules.