Germany 'monitoring' US detentions of its citizens – DW – 03/17/2025
www.dw.com
German officials are trying to determine whether three cases in which citizens were detained while trying to enter the United States signal a change in US policy.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/27002865

Summary

Germany is monitoring U.S. detentions of its citizens after three Germans were recently held by immigration authorities.

Two tourists were detained at the Mexico-U.S. border and later deported, while a Green Card holder, Fabian Schmidt, remains in custody in Rhode Island.

The German Foreign Ministry is assessing whether these cases reflect a broader policy shift under President Trump, whose administration has intensified immigration crackdowns.

Germany may adjust its travel advice based on further developments. U.S. officials have not clarified why Schmidt was detained.

  • courageousstep@lemm.eeEnglish
    30·
    20 hours ago

    I noticed there had been a few Germans caught by our immigration crooks, and wondered if Germany was going to say something about it. I’m honestly shocked that they aren’t more angry about it, at least outwardly. The way things are going, I think general travel advisories to the USA need to be published: fuck up our tourist industry even more and protect global citizens from needless suffering.

    • Vincent@feddit.nlEnglish
      2·
      10 hours ago

      I noticed there had been a few Germans caught by our immigration crooks,

      One question there is: why are we noticing now? Do these stories just make the news more easily considering waves generally recent events? Or does it actually happen more often?

    • Venus_Ziegenfalle@feddit.orgEnglish
      3·
      12 hours ago

      As a German

      I’m honestly shocked that they aren’t more angry about it, at least outwardly.

      Same, it’s honestly shameful. Plus this could be an oppurtunity to show teeth without taking a big risk. But our government is busy talking about all the things the new coalition will pretend to do so victims of a fascist uprising aren’t a priority. Travel warnings are overdue and so is getting these people home safely. Otherwise we’re just proving to Trump that we’re as impotent as he thinks we are.

    • dust_accelerator@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
      5·
      16 hours ago

      It’s very subtle, and official travel recommendations have been updated to reflect the possibility of trouble when your passport details are not perceived as consistent. The public services move slowly, but anyone I know that this would apply to has long understood the language and has opted for avoiding travel to the states. It’s not like your life is ruined by not seeing Orlando ¯\(ツ)/¯

    • NotLemming@lemm.eeEnglish
      12·
      19 hours ago

      Can you see why they wouldn’t? Europe is being at best bullied by the US, pretty well at war with russia who now is the US’s ally, and the powers that be are trying not to panic everyone. Also trying not to escalate an already bad situation with trump.

      Remember how, when relations soured, western people got trapped in Russia because of their ‘crimes’? Similar thing is happening now with the US and europe. I would strongly advise anyone not to go to the US now, not just Germans.

      • jabathekek@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        6·
        19 hours ago

        I would strongly advise anyone not to go to the US now, not just Germans.

        I’ve been saying that for… well at least since before the pandemic.

    • Kissaki@feddit.orgEnglish
      2·
      15 hours ago

      Could be that the number is just so low it doesn’t necessarily indicate a systematic issue yet. I’m sure a few have always been held because of inadequate documents or whatever.

      Of course, we can all see the political shift, and it’s horrible for the people involved. I would have liked to see a more loud and bold response. But for an institution maybe it’s not that time yet, until they know what the accusations and proceedings are.