Norwegian Tourist Claims Entry Denied Due to Meme on Phone
A 21-year-old Norwegian visitor, Mads Mikkelsen, recounts how his trip to the United States came to an abrupt halt at Newark Liberty International Airport after immigration officials discovered a meme on his phone. The image depicted Vice President JD Vance with a bald head and cartoonish face, which the officers reportedly flagged during security checks.
Unexpected Obstacles at the Border
Planning to visit friends in New York and Austin, as well as explore national parks with his mother, Mikkelsen's itinerary was disrupted after he was detained for questioning. He was escorted to a secure room guarded by armed personnel, where he surrendered his belongings including his shoes, mobile phone, and backpack.
According to Mikkelsen, border agents accused him of serious offenses—ranging from drug trafficking to involvement in terrorist plots and right-wing extremism—allegations he vehemently denies.
Innocent Pictures Misconstrued
Besides the meme, a photo of Mikkelsen holding a handmade wooden pipe also raised concerns. He explained that both images were automatically saved from a group chat and were intended solely as lighthearted jokes, never anticipating they might lead to his denied entry.
Pressure to Unlock Phone and Extensive Screening
Under significant pressure, Mikkelsen was compelled to unlock his phone amid threats of a $5,000 fine or imprisonment. The agents conducted a thorough search of his personal items, took fingerprints, and even collected blood samples. They also demanded detailed information about his contacts within the United States.
Exhausted from his twelve-hour journey and poor sleep, Mikkelsen described feeling physically and mentally drained throughout the ordeal.
Deportation and Official Response
Ultimately, Mikkelsen was put on a return flight to Norway, abruptly ending his plans. Meanwhile, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) dismissed the claim that the meme triggered the denial. Instead, they pointed to Mikkelsen's admission of previous drug use as the primary factor behind their decision.
Context: Tighter US Immigration Controls
Since 2025, stricter immigration policies under the current administration have led to increased scrutiny and entry challenges, particularly impacting European travelers.
Key Takeaways
- Mads Mikkelsen, 21, was denied entry at Newark Airport after a meme on his phone was discovered.
- Authorities accused him of serious crimes, despite his protestations.
- He was pressured to unlock his phone and underwent biometric and medical screening.
- The US Customs agency cited past drug use as the reason for denial, not the meme.
- New immigration regulations have intensified scrutiny of international visitors in recent years.
