Germany is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the detention of three German citizens at the United States border, raising concerns over possible changes to U.S. immigration policy. According to the German Foreign Ministry, two of the cases have already been resolved, but the third individual remains detained.
On March 17, 2025, government spokesman Sebastian Fischer stated, "We are aware of three cases of German citizens who were unable to enter the USA and were taken to detention upon entry." The individuals included Fabian Schmidt, 34, who has lived legally in the U.S. as a Green Card holder since 2007. Reports indicate he was detained at Boston's airport and later transferred to a Rhode Island detention facility.
Schmidt's mother, Astrid Senior, revealed the distressing conditions her son faced during his detention. "He was brutally interrogated and forced under cold showers by two officers at the airport," she told WGBH, highlighting concerns about the treatment of detainees by U.S. authorities.
The other two German nationals involved are Jessica Brösche, 29, and Lucas Sielaff, 25. Brösche, who was attempting to enter the U.S. from Tijuana, Mexico, under a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), was detained for over six weeks after airport officials suspected her of intending to work illegally due to the presence of tattooing tools she carried with her.
Friends of Brösche have reported her ordeal as alarming, claiming she was held in solitary confinement for nine days during her time at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. While the facility’s operator, CoreCivic, denied these claims, the situation has prompted serious conversations about the enforcement of immigration regulations.
Meanwhile, Lucas Sielaff was detained after returning from visiting his fiancée, Lennon Tyler, who resides in Las Vegas. During their re-entry on February 18, 2025, Sielaff allegedly misunderstood questions posed by immigration officials due to language barriers which led him to incorrectly state he lived in Las Vegas instead of Germany. His response resulted in the revocation of his ESTA and subsequent detention.
Tyler expressed the frustration and fear they both faced during the encounter, saying, "They told me if I didn't leave, I would be arrested, my dog would be caged, and my car would be seized," describing the urgency and intensity their situation brought upon them.
The German Foreign Office has reacted to these incidents with concern and is currently consulting with EU partners to evaluate whether these events signify a broader change within the U.S. immigration framework or are merely isolated cases. Fischer stated, "We expect our partners, just as we expect of all nations, to maintain detention conditions compliant with international human rights standards and to treat detainees fairly."
Two of the three incidences have culminated with the individuals being sent back to Germany following discussions with local authorities, but the situation surrounding Schmidt remains unsettled as the consulate continues to advocate for his case.
Germany's frustration echoes the concerns raised by many citizens who travel to the U.S. Under current regulations, German tourists holding valid visas are typically allowed to stay for up to ninety days. The uncertainty over these recent detentions, along with heightened scrutiny and violence surrounding U.S. immigration policy under President Donald Trump, has raised alarms leading to questions about safety and fairness for foreign visitors.
While the U.S. administration has escalated border security measures, including announcements of enhanced entry bans on citizens from various countries, the nature of these detentions presents problems for those who have valid entry documents.
Legal experts warn travelers to the U.S. to be informed about past legal issues, no matter how minor, as they can affect entry eligibility. They advise caution especially for German tourists, based on these latest events featuring Schmidt, Brösche, and Sielaff.
Traveling to the U.S. may require more than just the right paperwork. Observations suggest bringing professional tools may trigger complications, and miscommunication can lead to detainment, as seen with Sielaff. The advice now emphasizes the importance of engaging clearly with border officials and preparing for potential inquiries about one’s travel intentions.
The fallout from these recent incidents is prompting travelers to rethink their entry strategies and take precautions, making it even more apparent how rigid the current immigration policies are under scrutiny. Fischer's final comments reflect the cautionary tone echoed throughout Germany, voicing hopes for the situation's resolution and adherence to humane standards of treatment when individuals are detained.
