German Backpackers Detained in Hawaii, Deported Amid Growing Travel Fears

HONOLULU, Hawaii — Two teenage girls from Germany, Charlotte Pohl, 19, and Maria Lepere, 18, were detained and deported by U.S. immigration officials shortly after arriving in Hawaii on April 21, 2025. The girls had planned a five-week adventure in the U.S. before continuing their round-the-world trip.

Despite holding Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approvals, the girls drew the attention of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers when they disclosed their lack of hotel bookings. Officers accused them of harboring intentions to work illegally in the U.S. and subsequently detained the backpackers after hours of questioning.

“It was all like a fever dream,” Maria said to a German outlet after the ordeal. “We felt so small and powerless.” The girls were handcuffed, strip searched, and subjected to full-body scans. They were placed in a holding facility with serious offenders, including a long-term inmate.

The conditions they faced were stark, as they spent a cold night on moldy mattresses in a double cell. Charlotte recalled, “They twisted things we said in interrogation to make it seem as if we admitted wanting to work illegally in the U.S.”

The following morning, they were escorted back to Honolulu‘s airport in handcuffs and put on a flight to Tokyo. They learned their passports would be returned upon arrival in Japan. Upon landing, they were transferred on a flight back to Germany.

The girls’ experience highlights a troubling trend. Many travelers are facing increased scrutiny upon entering the U.S., particularly those without well-defined itineraries. After their return, the German Foreign Office issued a statement reminding citizens that ESTA approval does not guarantee entry.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have adopted a more aggressive stance on border enforcement, leading to a rise in travel-related anxiety. According to data from the International Trade Administration, international visits to the U.S. fell by 12 percent in March compared to the previous year, indicative of broader apprehension among potential travelers.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to alleviate fears by saying individuals not involved in controversial activities have nothing to worry about when visiting the U.S. He stated, “If you’re not coming to the United States to join a Hamas protest… then you have nothing to worry about.” However, stories like that of Pohl and Lepere convey a different impression.

Travelers have reported similar experiences. For instance, Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney described a 12-day detention in a poorly maintained facility after being detained while crossing from Mexico. Lucas Sielaff, 25, faced a similar situation, detained for 16 days despite having a valid visa.

Germany among other nations, including Canada and France, have updated their travel advisories, emphasizing that entry is ultimately at the discretion of U.S. border officers. The advisories particularly stress caution for those with non-traditional passport identification or marginalized identities.

As travel conditions in the U.S. grow increasingly stringent, some international travelers may reconsider their plans, thus impacting tourism revenue. Respondents from Intrepid Travel have noticed a decreasing interest in trips to the U.S., particularly from European clients.

Addressing the Australian operations, Intrepid Travel’s CEO James Thornton observed that the polarizing attitudes of the U.S. administration significantly influence travel decisions. Many travelers are now weighing the risk of detention against the desire for a holiday in the U.S.

The Daily Beast has reached out to ICE for comments concerning the incident with Pohl and Lepere. Currently, the situation remains precarious for international travelers seeking to visit the U.S., and the repercussions of such enforcement actions continue to spark debate.