Tourists Face Harsh Treatment at U.S. Border: Rising Cases of Aggressive Interrogations and Detention

Entering the United States has become increasingly challenging for travelers, including tourists, business people, and even those with valid visas or ESTA authorizations. A growing number of reports describe aggressive interrogations, phone searches, and detentions at U.S. border control points.

Rising Incidents of Harsh Border Experiences

The case of Olivia Bussmann illustrates this troubling trend. The Swiss graphic designer was denied entry at Newark Airport despite having a valid ESTA. Border officials subjected her to intense questioning about her boyfriend in New York and suspected she planned to work illegally. Despite her explanations and return flight confirmation, she was detained for 28 hours in what she describes as prison-like conditions before being deported to Switzerland.

Bussmann’s experience isn’t isolated. Similar accounts have emerged from Europeans, Canadians, and others who previously traveled to the U.S. without issues. Border officials have broad authority to deny entry, and their decisions cannot be appealed. The only recourse is to apply for a visitor visa at a U.S. consulate, a process that can take months.

Immigration attorneys note that entry denials have increased significantly in recent years. While pandemic-related pauses in travel initially masked this trend, the issue has become more visible as international movement has resumed. The denials often follow a pattern: minor inconsistencies in answers lead to intense questioning, which escalates to accusations, phone searches, and ultimately entry refusal.

The detention conditions are particularly concerning. Several travelers have reported being held in cold cells with constant lighting, limited food, restricted bathroom access, and sometimes handcuffed during transfers. Many describe the experience as traumatic and humiliating.

Critics suggest these harsh practices reflect policy shifts initiated during the Trump administration that have continued under President Biden. U.S. Customs and Border Protection maintains that officers are simply enforcing laws to prevent unauthorized immigration and protect national security.

For travelers, the consequences extend beyond the immediate distress. Those denied entry face difficulties obtaining U.S. visas in the future, as they must now disclose their previous rejection. The visa application process itself is expensive, time-consuming, and offers no guarantee of approval.

Immigration experts advise travelers to prepare thoroughly by having clear documentation of return tickets, sufficient funds, accommodation details, and a consistent explanation of their visit purpose. They should avoid carrying work-related materials if traveling as tourists and consider limiting personal data on devices when possible.

Despite these precautions, the unpredictability of the entry process remains a significant concern. Even well-prepared travelers with legitimate reasons for visiting may face intense scrutiny. This growing harshness has prompted some to reconsider travel to the United States altogether, potentially impacting tourism and international relations in the long term.