Overview

• Mads Mikkelsen, a 21-year-old Norwegian, was detained at Newark Airport on June 11 and questioned about drug trafficking, terrorism and right-wing extremism before being denied entry.
• CBP officers demanded his smartphone password under threat of a $5,000 fine or five years in prison and discovered a meme of US Vice President JD Vance, which Mikkelsen believes led to his refusal.
• US border authorities insist the meme played no role in their decision and state that Mikkelsen admitted to past drug use without providing further details.
• The lack of specifics around the alleged drug use has raised questions about US entry rules for travelers with a history of substance consumption.
• The case highlights growing concerns over digital privacy and the extent of CBP’s authority to search personal devices at ports of entry.