Overview

• Nicolle Saroukos was detained in Honolulu despite holding a valid ESTA and tourist visa, strip-searched and subjected to a body cavity search before spending the night with convicted criminals and being deported.
• US Customs and Border Protection officers are reportedly applying subjective criteria—such as clothing quantity, tattoos and phone apps—to deny entry under Trump-era immigration policies.
• Travellers on the Visa Waiver Program have limited recourse at US ports of entry as CBP personnel retain broad authority to decide admissibility even with approved ESTAs.
• Immigration lawyers advise Australians to carry printed itineraries, avoid one-way tickets and prepare for searches of electronic devices and social media accounts.
• Australia’s Smartraveller website now warns that US border enforcement is strict and urges travellers to verify ESTA details to prevent unexpected detention or removal.