US officials forced to share bald JD Vance meme by denying tourist’s claim he was denied entry over photo
US officials respond to claims man was ‘refused US entry over JD Vance meme’
- A 21-year-old Norwegian traveler, Mads Mikkelsen, was denied entry to the United States at Newark Liberty International Airport on June 11.
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials stated Mikkelsen was denied entry due to admitted drug use, refuting claims it was over a meme of Vice President JD Vance.
- Mikkelsen claims agents threatened him with fines or prison to force him to unlock his phone, where they allegedly found a meme depicting JD Vance.
- He also stated agents questioned him about drug smuggling, terror plots, and right-wing extremism, and he was forced to provide a blood sample.
- The incident highlights a broader trend of increased scrutiny and denials by DHS agents, with other nations issuing travel warnings to their citizens regarding visits to the United States.