Germany is monitoring the detentions of its citizens in the US amid concerns over recent changes in American immigration policy, which have raised questions about the treatment of tourists from Western countries.
Three German passport holders were detained by US Immigration and Customs enforcement officials in recent weeks, prompting the German government to take notice. The detentions have raised concerns about potential changes in American immigration policy.
The United States has a long history of immigration policy, dating back to the late 19th century.
The first federal law regulating immigration was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
In the early 20th century, the Quota Act of 1921 and the Immigration Act of 1924 introduced quotas based on national origin.
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished these quotas and prioritized family reunification.
Today's policy emphasizes merit-based immigration and border security.
Recent Incidents and Response from Germany
In one case, Fabian Schmidt, a 49-year-old electrical engineer who has been living in the US since 2007, was arrested at Logan Airport in Boston after returning from Luxembourg. He is still being held at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry is ‘monitoring’ how its citizens are being treated when traveling to the US, according to a spokesperson. The ministry is trying to determine whether these incidents signal a change in policy or if they are isolated cases. If necessary, Germany will adjust its travel and security advice.
Detention of Tourists
Two German tourists were also detained by US immigration authorities recently. Lucas Sielaff, 25, was held at the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego, California, for two weeks after his entry permit was canceled at the Mexican border. ‘We are aware of these incidents and are looking into them,’ said a spokesperson. Jessica Brösche, 29, a tattoo artist from Berlin, was taken into custody at the same facility before being returned to Germany.
Both tourists had attempted to enter the US legally but were detained and eventually sent back home.
In February 2022, a group of German tourists were detained by Russian authorities in Sochi.
The incident sparked an international outcry, with Germany's Foreign Ministry expressing concern over the situation.
According to reports, the tourists had inadvertently entered a restricted area near a military base.
They were later released after being held for several hours.
This incident highlights the complexities of international relations and the importance of clear communication between nations.
Impact of Trump’s Immigration Policies
The recent detentions appear to be linked to the strict immigration policies implemented by President ‘Donald Trump repeatedly suggested invoking extraordinary powers to address illegal immigration’ during his campaign. He has since invoked the Alien Enemies Act for the first time since World War II, granting himself sweeping powers under a centuries-old law to deport people associated with a Venezuelan gang.
Donald Trump's immigration policies were a key aspect of his presidential campaign and administration.
He proposed building a wall along the US-Mexico border to prevent illegal immigration, with Mexico initially being expected to pay for it.
The wall was a central promise during his 2016 election campaign.
Trump also implemented stricter immigration enforcement measures, including increased deportations and expanded use of expedited removals.
His policies aimed to reduce both legal and unauthorized immigration into the US.
The detentions of German citizens raise concerns about the treatment of tourists from Western countries in the US. While ‘Germany’s Foreign Ministry is monitoring the situation,’ it remains to be seen how these incidents will impact travel and security advice for German citizens.
