Norwegian Tourist Barred From US Over JD Vance Meme

Mads Mikkelsen, a 21-year-old Norwegian tourist, was denied entry to the United States after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials found a meme of Vice President JD Vance on his phone during a search at Newark Liberty International Airport. Mikkelsen was questioned about drug trafficking, terrorism, and right-wing extremism, and was reportedly threatened with a $5,000 fine or prison time if he refused to unlock his phone. After the discovery of the meme and a photo of a wooden pipe, he was subjected to a strip search, fingerprinting, blood tests, and five hours of detention before being deported without ever entering the U.S. The incident has sparked debate about digital privacy and the broad discretion of U.S. border agents in handling satire and online expression. Legal experts note that while CBP can search electronic devices, refusal to unlock them generally results only in denial of entry and confiscation of the device, making the treatment of Mikkelsen appear excessive. His case echoes other recent reports of harsh treatment of foreign visitors and raises concerns about the interpretation of political satire in immigration enforcement.