A Norwegian tourist says he was denied entry into the US after immigration agents took issue with a meme of Vice President JD Vance on his phone. US Homeland Security officials say he was turned away for admitting drug use. BBC Verify's Jake Horton spoke to Mads Mikkelsen about his experience and looks at the laws which are in place for denying tourists coming into the US. Produced by Blanca Estrada and Meiying Wu. Graphics by Leo Scutt-Richter. The parents and brother of Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman spoke out for the first time since the shooting last week. Stormchasers captured footage of the major twister swirling near Dickens, Nebraska. The BBC's James Landale highlights the role of the US president at the summit as the conflict in the Middle East overshadowed the gathering. The reptile was found just 20 minutes south of Washington DC. The US president will cut short his time at the meeting and return to DC, citing the conflict between Israel and Iran. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in their home in what officials have called a "politically motivated assassination" attempt. Torrential rain caused flash floods that led to at least six deaths in the state, including a 3-year-old child. The parade - which which fell on Trump's 79th birthday - involved nearly 7,000 soldiers, flyovers and fireworks. As the president hosted the parade to mark 250 years of the US Army, anti-Trump protests took place throughout the US. The demonstrations are being held as the president hosts the Army's 250th anniversary parade in Washington DC. In his first term, the president was wowed by France’s Bastille Day celebrations - now he’s hosting a parade in Washington to mark 250 years of the US Army. The parade will take place on President Trump's 79th birthday and is estimated to cost between $25m and $45m. The US defense secretary appeared to acknowledge incidental plans also exist for Panama, but avoided giving direct confirmation. US Senator Alex Padilla was put in handcuffs after interrupting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a news update on the Los Angeles ICE raids. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, one of the world's most active, erupted for the 25th time since 23 December 2024. The US president received a mixed reception from the audience while attending Les Misérables in Washington, DC. Despite a curfew, protests against immigration arrests have started up again in areas of the city's downtown. The BBC's Carl Nasman explains how the ramping up of deportation efforts led to protests in many US cities. The late Beach Boys co-creator spoke to the BBC's David Silitto in 2011 and looked back at his career. Demonstrations are confined to relatively small pockets of LA, while also spreading to other US cities.
Did a JD Vance meme get tourist banned from the US?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Norwegian Tourist Denied US Entry Over Meme of Vice President JD Vance"
Bbc News
6.4
TruthLens AI Summary
A Norwegian tourist, Mads Mikkelsen, reported that he was denied entry into the United States after immigration officials scrutinized a meme of Vice President JD Vance found on his phone. Mikkelsen claims that the immigration agents were particularly concerned with the content of the meme, which he believes led to their decision to refuse him entry. However, US Homeland Security officials later clarified that the reason for his denial was his admission of past drug use during the questioning process. This incident has raised questions regarding the criteria used by US immigration officials to assess tourists at entry points, especially in light of the increasing scrutiny surrounding drug use and its implications for visa and entry requirements. The case highlights the complexities and sometimes opaque nature of immigration policies in the US, particularly as they relate to social media and personal expression through memes.
In the broader context, this incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. As authorities ramp up their scrutiny of incoming travelers, many are left questioning how far these measures should go. The case of Mikkelsen is not isolated, as it exemplifies a growing trend where social media interactions can inadvertently affect individuals' travel plans. The implications of such incidents may contribute to a chilling effect on free expression and creativity, leading potential tourists to reconsider what they share online. As this story develops, it is likely to spark further discussions about the balance between national security and personal freedoms, particularly in an era where digital content can easily cross borders and influence perceptions.
Overall, Mikkelsen's experience has opened a dialogue about the intersection of immigration policies, social media, and personal rights, prompting a reevaluation of how such factors are weighed by authorities in the United States.
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