Overview

• Charlotte Pohl, 19, and Maria Lepere, 18, were denied entry to the U.S. in Honolulu despite holding valid ESTA approvals, highlighting the discretionary power of border officials.
• The teenagers were accused of having potential illegal work intentions due to their lack of pre-booked accommodations for their five-week stay in Hawaii, a claim they strongly deny.
• While detained, they were handcuffed, strip-searched, issued prison uniforms, and held overnight in a facility with long-term detainees under reportedly harsh conditions.
• The Department of Homeland Security claimed the travelers attempted to enter under false pretenses, but the teens allege their statements were misrepresented during interrogation.
• Germany has updated its travel advisory and continues to monitor similar cases, warning citizens that valid travel documents do not guarantee entry into the U.S.