By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Karen Newton, a 65-year-old British tourist, was detained for six weeks in a US immigration detention center despite holding a valid visa. Her ordeal began when she and her husband, whose visa had expired, were turned back at the Canadian border. She was shackled, held in a cell, and later told that ICE agents may receive bonuses for detentions, fueling her belief that innocent travelers are being targeted. Released after international media attention and facing significant personal and financial repercussions, Newton now warns others against traveling to the US under current policies.
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The story of a 65-year-old British tourist, holding a valid visa, being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for six weeks under the Trump administration is a stark illustration of the chilling effect that certain policies can have on international perceptions of the United States. This incident, described as a “horror story” by some, has understandably led to widespread advice for potential visitors to reconsider traveling to the US, with many explicitly stating, “Don’t go to the US – not with Trump in charge.” The sentiment is that the risk of arbitrary detention, even for those with proper documentation, has become unacceptably high.
This case highlights a perceived shift in how ICE operates. Previously, detentions were generally reserved for those involved in serious criminal activity or egregious immigration violations. However, the narrative emerging from this and similar situations suggests a broader, more aggressive approach, where even minor infractions or seemingly arbitrary suspicions can lead to prolonged detention. The notion that ICE agents might receive bonuses for detentions, as overheard by the detained tourist, adds a disturbing layer, suggesting a potential financial incentive for aggressive enforcement that could override due process.
The implications for the US tourism industry are significant and, by many accounts, deeply concerning. Millions of international tourists visit the US annually, contributing trillions of dollars to the economy. However, as this story and others like it gain traction, the image of the US as a welcoming destination is eroding. Businesses are already reporting cancellations of non-essential travel, and individuals who once visited regularly are now expressing reluctance or outright refusal to consider US trips. This has been amplified by upcoming major international events like the World Cup, where potential attendees are now weighing the risk of detention against the desire to support their teams.
This situation is not seen as isolated or temporary. Many believe that even after the current administration, the damage to the US’s reputation will be long-lasting. The “uncertainty” and “incompetent administration” are cited as key factors driving away tourists and investors. The very act of questioning the safety of visiting the US has become detrimental. This is particularly troubling for those who champion economic growth, as the death of foreign tourism and investment directly impacts that. The “ice lottery,” as some describe it, where anyone can be caught up in the system, is a deterrent that many are unwilling to gamble with.
Beyond the economic impact, there’s a profound sense of embarrassment and shame for many Americans who witness this perceived decline in their nation’s standing. The idea of the US, often seen as a beacon of freedom and democracy, engaging in practices that alienate and detain legal visitors is deeply unsettling. There’s a growing resentment towards a government that appears to promote cruelty and injustice, and a frustration that tax dollars are being used to detain individuals who pose no threat. The refusal of some consular services to offer more than a perfunctory “sorry, there’s nothing we can do” further fuels this disillusionment.
For certain demographics, the risk is amplified. Individuals with darker skin tones or those from countries that have historically faced heightened scrutiny feel a particularly acute sense of unease. The fear of harassment or detention by ICE, even with a valid visa and a history of lawful travel, is a significant barrier. The current political climate and the associated racial sentiments contribute to a “bitter taste,” making a return to normalcy in international travel perception a distant prospect. The advice from some foreign governments, like Denmark, to avoid non-essential travel to the US underscores the gravity of the situation.
The perception of ICE itself has also been negatively impacted. Descriptions of ICE agents as “proud boys,” “white supremacists,” or “hired goons” point to a deep distrust and fear of the agency. The alleged practice of receiving bonuses for detentions, if true, would explain the seemingly excessive zeal and lack of regard for individual circumstances. This is seen as a stark departure from the principles of a republican form of government, where rights should not be violated for financial gain.
Ultimately, the message echoing from many, both within and outside the US, is clear: the current environment makes the United States an unsafe and undesirable destination for tourists. The incident of the British tourist’s prolonged detention serves as a potent, albeit unfortunate, advertisement for avoiding the US. The hope is that such stories will prompt a re-evaluation of policies and a restoration of the US’s image as a country that respects international visitors and upholds its own legal and ethical standards. The sentiment is that until this occurs, a boycott is not only prudent but necessary.