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2w ago

German Teens Detained and Deported in Hawaii Over Travel Plans

U.S. border officials denied entry to two German tourists, citing concerns over incomplete itineraries and potential unauthorized work intentions.

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The airport tower at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on January 20, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
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Overview

  • Charlotte Pohl, 19, and Maria Lepère, 18, were detained in Honolulu on March 18 after arriving without full lodging reservations for their five-week stay.
  • The teenagers were subjected to strip searches, full-body scans, and held overnight in a detention facility under harsh conditions before being deported to Japan.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection claimed the travelers attempted to enter under false pretenses, alleging plans to work illegally, which the teens deny.
  • Germany's Foreign Office intervened to provide consular support and updated travel guidance, emphasizing that ESTA approval does not guarantee U.S. entry.
  • March data revealed a 12% decline in Western European visitors to the U.S., with German tourism dropping by 28%, reflecting broader concerns over stricter border enforcement.