A tourist says he was refused entry to the US for an unusual reason.
People entering America risk having officers inspect their phones.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has long held that right.
The CBP website states:
“CBP’s ability to lawfully inspect electronic devices crossing the border is integral to keeping America safe in an increasingly digital world.
All travelers crossing the United States border are subject to CBP inspection. On rare occasions, CBP officers may search a traveler’s mobile phone, computer, camera, or other electronic devices during the inspection process.”
Although CBP calls device checks “rare,” some travellers say officers have used this authority more often recently.
People have been advised to disable Face ID before travel.
Some even suggest turning phones off while crossing the border.
This stems from reports that officers can unlock devices with a traveler’s likeness.
They can reportedly do this “without violating the Constitution.”
Mads Mikkelsen, aged 21, says officers searched his phone.
(Not the actor from Casino Royale.)
He claims they found a meme of Vice President JD Vance.
The picture showed Vance with no hair and an egg-shaped head.
Mads says that discovery led to his denied entry.
@DaveMcNamee3000 originally posted the meme in October 2024.
The tweet read: “For every 100 likes I will turn JD Vance into a progressively apple cheeked baby.”
It carried the timestamp 11:48 AM · Oct 2, 2024.
Mads told local press the episode was “abuse of power and harassment.”
He said officers asked about drug trafficking, terrorist plots, and right-wing extremism without cause.
He also alleged they threatened him with “a minimum fine of $5,000 or five years in prison” if he refused to give his phone password.
He claims he was not permitted to leave the airport and was placed in a cell.
American authorities dispute Mads’ account.
The CBP tweeted: “Fact Check: FALSE. Mads Mikkelsen was not denied entry for any memes or political reasons, it was for his admitted drug use.”
The Department of Homeland Security echoed that response on Facebook.
“FACT CHECK. Claims that Mads Mikkelsen was denied entry because of a meme are unequivocally FALSE.”
The post added: “Mikkelson was refused entry into the U.S. for his admitted drug use. Only those who respect our laws and follow the rules will be welcomed into our country.”