Two German teenagers, Charlotte Pohl, 19, and Maria Lepere, 18, arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii in March with plans to explore the Islands for five weeks before heading to California and Costa Rica. Despite having Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), they were flagged by US Customs and Border Protection for not fully booking their accommodations for their entire stay in Hawaii. This led to their detention and deportation, despite the teens’ intentions of a fun and lengthy vacation.
The teens described being questioned for hours at Honolulu Airport, subjected to full-body scans and strip searches, and eventually placed in a holding cell with long-term detainees who were accused of serious crimes. They had to sleep on thin, moldy mattresses and avoid expired food. The next morning, they were informed of their deportation and taken back to the airport, where they requested to be sent to Japan. The German Foreign Office provided consular support, but the incident highlighted that having an ESTA does not guarantee entry into the US, as the decision is left to CBP agents.
While European travelers are declining in visiting the US, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has attempted to ease concerns among foreigners wanting to travel to America. He suggested that as long as travelers are not coming to protest or create conflicts, they have nothing to worry about. The German teenagers are not the only foreigners who have been detained and deported trying to enter the US in recent months, as former Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney also faced similar issues at the southern border.
Mooney, who was trying to obtain a work visa after her previous one was revoked, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the San Ysidro border between Mexico and San Diego. She described being held in “inhumane” conditions at the world’s busiest land border for 12 days before eventually being released. While she had gone to the border with a new job offer and necessary paperwork, she was arrested by ICE, kept in a cold cell for days, and had to sleep on a mat with only aluminum foil for warmth.
The incidents involving the German teenagers and Jasmine Mooney highlight the challenges faced by foreigners attempting to enter the US and the risks associated with deportation. Despite having the necessary paperwork and visas, both individuals found themselves in difficult situations at the hands of US immigration authorities. The involvement of government officials in providing consular support and guidance is crucial in such cases to ensure the safety and well-being of travelers who may face unexpected challenges while entering the country. The stories of these individuals also serve as a cautionary reminder to travelers to be fully prepared and aware of the restrictions and requirements for entering the United States.
