Disappearing Travelers from NATO countries: Trump's New American Border Controls

US border control is increasingly targeting travelers from NATO countries with lengthy detentions and social media screenings.

The evidence is mounting daily: America has become a high-risk destination for international travelers. Consider these alarming data points:

• A French scientist was deported after border officers searched his phone and found private messages criticizing Trump's research policies. US authorities labeled these personal opinions as "hateful and conspiratorial messages."

• A Canadian woman with proper documentation was detained by ICE for two weeks in "a tiny, freezing cement cell" without explanation, despite having legal representation and media attention.

• Three German citizens were detained while trying to enter the US at the San Diego-Tijuana border despite holding the correct visas, prompting Germany to update its official travel advisory for the United States, emphasizing that a visa or ESTA waiver does not guarantee entry.

• A British artist from Wales was detained in February and only recently reunited with her family, prompting the UK to join Germany in updating its travel advice, warning travelers to "comply strictly with all entry, visa, and other conditions.

"Yes, America has become a country that detains individuals for their private thoughts or denies them entry, even if they are authorized to cross the border.

While these incidents could be explained individually, the fact that citizens of four NATO countries have been denied access at four different points of entry suggests a policy shift rather than isolated incidents. What’s even more alarming is the “reasons” laid out by border authorities.

Jasmine Mooney back in Vancouver, Canada, after her detention in Ice facilities for two weeks. In front of her are letters other women gave her to pass along to their families. Photograph: Jasmine Mooney