Latest news with #Mikkelsen
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Travelling to the US? Your social media could get you deported
Avoid deportation when travelling to the US - and theimpact of your social media on your status. Image: Unspash Planning a holiday or work trip to the United States? You may want to double-check your social media first. In today's increasingly politicised travel environment, tourists, including South Africans, are being cautioned to think twice about what they've shared online before stepping onto a flight. A recent case involving a young Norwegian traveller has sparked global debate. Mads Mikkelsen, a 21-year-old tourist, says he was stopped at Newark Liberty International Airport in June and denied entry after US immigration officials browsed through his mobile phone and found a meme mocking the American Vice President, J.D. Vance. According to Mikkelsen, he was interrogated, forced to give up his phone password under threat of fines and imprisonment, and later sent back to Norway without setting foot beyond the airport. Although U.S. authorities deny that the meme was the reason for the deportation, citing Mikkelsen's alleged past drug use instead, the incident highlights growing concerns around privacy, freedom of expression, and the ever-widening net of border control policies under President Donald Trump's second term. This isn't an isolated case. In recent months, a French academic was refused entry because of comments he made about U.S. science policy under Trump. An Australian writer was recently questioned about his views on the Israel-Gaza conflict before being sent home. The message seems clear: your online footprint could be scrutinised and used against you, even if your travel plans are entirely legitimate. What's changed? The Trump administration has ramped up efforts to tighten immigration procedures. These include enhanced screening of tourists, foreign students, and even long-standing visa holders. In some cases, border agents are instructed to inspect social media profiles, private messages, and photos on mobile devices - with or without a warrant. While visitors to the U.S. do have rights, they're limited. Tourists aren't entitled to the same constitutional protections as citizens. That means your phone can be manually searched scrolling, keyword searches, and deep dives into apps, without needing probable cause. "For more invasive forensic searches - where your device is plugged in and analysed, officials must claim 'reasonable suspicion' - a vague term with no clear legal definition. Nate Freed Wessler of the American Civil Liberties Union explains, there are no meaningful safeguards. 'Tourists have fewer civil rights than you do elsewhere in the US,' he warns. Refusing to answer questions or surrender your device could simply result in denial of entry or even temporary detention. The risks extend beyond inconvenience. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the U.S. could lose over $12.5 billion (R223,90 billion) in international tourism spend this year, as travellers grow wary of what feels like digital surveillance at the border. South African travellers: What to know Your online activity matters: Avoid political posts, especially memes, satire, or criticism of US politicians before your trip. Your phone can be searched: Officials may inspect your device at the border, and refusing to unlock it could result in denial of entry. There's little recourse: Tourists can be detained for up to 90 days without formal charges. Always be honest: Any admission of drug use, even in the past, could affect your visa or travel status. As tempting as it may be to share your views online, doing so could unknowingly impact your ability to travel. In the current climate, it's safer to scroll mindfully and post cautiously, because what's on your phone might just stop your trip before it even begins. IOL Travel Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Johnny Depp finally breaks his silence on his exit from Fantastic Beasts: 'They wanted me to retire'
Johnny Depp finally addressed his controversial departure from the 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise. While filming the third installment, 'The Secrets of Dumbledore,' Depp was asked to resign following his loss in a UK libel case against 'The Sun,' which had labeled him a 'wife beater' amid allegations from ex-wife Amber Heard . 'It stopped in a millisecond, like, while I was doing the movie. They said they would like you to resign. But what was really in my head was they wanted me to retire.' 'F**k you. There are far too many of me to kill' Depp's response to the studio's request was unapologetically defiant, 'F**k you. There are far too many of me to kill. If you think you can hurt me more than I've already been hurt, you're gravely mistaken.' said Depp via Variety He described the experience as being 'shunned, dumped, booted, deep-sixed, cancelled,' and felt the industry was trying to erase him entirely. Grindelwald's legacy and franchise fallout Depp first appeared as Gellert Grindelwald in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' with a full-fledged role in 'The Crimes of Grindelwald'. He had reportedly filmed just one scene for the third film before being replaced by Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen . Mikkelsen later acknowledged the challenge of stepping into Depp's shoes, 'I'm a big fan of Johnny. I think he did a fantastic job… There was no way I could just copy it. It would be creative suicide.' Said Mikkelsen via MSN Despite Mikkelsen's performance, 'The Secrets of Dumbledore' underperformed at the box office and received mixed reviews, prompting Warner Bros. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ditch the cinema with boAt Boat Buy Now Undo to pause the franchise and pivot toward a new Harry Potter series for HBO. Legal battles and public scrutiny Depp's exit came amid intense legal drama. Although he lost the UK libel case, he later won a defamation suit in the U.S. against Heard in 2022. The trials exposed deeply personal details, but Depp remained resolute: 'If I don't try to represent the truth, it will be like I've actually committed the acts I am accused of. And my kids will have to live with it.' A new chapter: Directing and redemption Since his departure, Depp has shifted focus to directing and independent projects. He helmed Modì, a biopic about artist Amedeo Modigliani, and is set to star in Day Drinker alongside Jason Momoa and Penélope Cruz. 'I'll fight until the bitter f***ing end. And if I end up pumping gas? That's all right. I've done that before.'
Mint
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Norwegian tourist claims he was held at US Airport over morphed JD Vance photo; officials cite THIS reason
Mads Mikkelsen, a Norwegian tourist, was detained by US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) at Newark Airport for five hours. He claimed the detention was due to a forged picture of US Vice President JD Vance, according to a report by the BBC. Following the incident, Mikkelsen spoke to a local publication, Nordlys and the BBC, stating that the USCBP agents threatened to impose a $5,000 fine unless he unlocked his phone for inspection. During the search, they found a photoshopped image of JD Vance with a bald head. Mikkelsen told the BBC, 'The agent seemed to be very antagonised by the image. He asked me why I had it saved on my phone. He went on to explain to the agent that it was just a meme, a piece of comedy. The agent responded by saying, it's very clearly a piece of dangerous extremist propaganda.' Speaking to The Daily Star, Mikkelson said, 'They asked direct questions about drug smuggling, terrorist plans and right-wing extremism, completely without reason.' He further added, 'They demanded full information about everyone I was going to meet in the US, including name, address, phone number and what they did for work.' Further, he also stated that he informed the agents about legally consuming cannabis in Germany and New Mexico, following their extensive questioning regarding drug smuggling, terrorism, and extremism. Additionally, he was escorted to a secured room and instructed to surrender his shoes, phone, and backpack. Meanwhile, USCBP in a post on X informed that Mikkelsen was not allowed to enter due to drug use. "Fact Check: FALSE," they posted, "Mads Mikkelsen was not denied entry for any memes or political reasons, it was for his admitted drug use." The Department of Homeland Security has also publicly denied that Mikkelsen was denied entry because of the meme.
Indian Express
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Norwegian tourist says he was detained for ‘JD Vance meme', US says drug use, not politics, caused ban
A 21-year-old tourist from Norway, Mads Mikkelsen, says he was held for five hours at Newark Airport by US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) over a meme on his phone showing US Vice-President JD Vance with a bald head. The US authorities, however, say he was denied entry due to admitted drug use. After returning to Norway, Mikkelsen told the local paper Nordlys and the BBC that USCBP officers questioned him about drug use, terrorism, and extremism. He said they asked him to unlock his phone and threatened him with a $5,000 fine if he refused. He told the BBC: 'The agent seemed to be very antagonised by the image. He asked me why I had it saved on my phone.' Mikkelsen said he explained it was a meme and meant to be humorous, but the agent replied: 'It's very clearly a piece of dangerous extremist propaganda.' Mikkelsen also admitted to the officers that he had legally used cannabis in Germany and in the US state of New Mexico. Both places allow recreational use of the drug, but under US federal law, any drug use – even where legal – can be grounds for refusal of entry. He said he was then taken to a guarded room, where he was asked to hand over his phone, shoes, and bag. Later, the USCBP posted on X: 'Fact Check: FALSE. Mads Mikkelsen was not denied entry for any memes or political reasons, it was for his admitted drug use.' The Department of Homeland Security also denied that the meme had anything to do with the decision. BS. Claims that Mads Mikkelsen was denied entry because of a JD Vance meme are FALSE. Mikkelsen was refused entry into the U.S. for his admitted drug use. — Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) June 24, 2025 Mikkelsen described the experience as traumatic. He said he was strip-searched, fingerprinted, had his luggage searched, and blood taken. He also claimed that his Norwegian passport was wrongly marked as 'Spanish,' and that US officials wrote incorrect information about his travel plans. According to paperwork shared by Mikkelsen, border agents also suspected he may have been trying to work in the US without permission, something he denies. 'I would not return while the current government is in power,' Mikkelsen told Nordlys. BBC reports that USCBP says fewer than 0.01 per cent of travellers have their phones or devices searched. Around one million people enter the US each day. US President Donald Trump, currently in office, has taken a strong stance on drug use and border enforcement.
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First Post
28-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Did US kick out a tourist over JD Vance meme?
A Norwegian traveller has claimed he was denied entry into the United States after immigration agents found a meme of Vice President JD Vance on his phone. As his accusations went viral, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) cleared the air, saying the 21-year-old was not thrown out for 'political reasons' read more A tourist claimed he was not allowed to enter the US over a meme on Vice President JD Vance. File Photo/Reuters Is the United States denying entry to foreigners due to political memes? The bizarre question arose after a Norwegian traveller claimed he was stopped from entering America as immigration agents took objection to a doctored photo of a bald US Vice President JD Vance on his phone. The claims were soon picked up by the media and blew up. As the story grabbed eyeballs around the world, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a clarification. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's take a closer look. Was tourist not allowed into US over Vance meme? A Norwegian tourist claimed he was denied entry into the US after authorities found a meme of JD Vance on his phone at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport on June 11. His accusation was first reported by Norwegian news outlet Nordlys. Mads Mikkelsen, 21, told the local newspaper upon his return that the US officials had threatened to fine him $5,000 (Rs 4.27 lakh) or imprison him for five years if he refused to provide them with his phone password. The Norwegian tourist complied with their demand and unlocked his phone, allowing agents to go through the phone. He said that was when they spotted the Vance meme. Mikkelsen told BBC, 'The agent seemed to be very antagonised by the image. He asked me why I had it saved on my phone.' The young man said he explained to them that it was only a meme, but the agent, he said, replied: 'It's very clearly a piece of dangerous extremist propaganda'. Mikkelsen said he was denied entry into the US after the CBP agents looked into his phone and sent him back to Norway. US rejects tourist's claim As the Norwegian traveller's claims drew global attention, the US Customs and Border Patrol and its umbrella Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have jumped in to address the reports. Issuing a 'fact check' on X, the CBP wrote: 'Mads Mikkelsen was not denied entry for any memes or political reasons, it was for his admitted drug use.' Fact Check: FALSE Mads Mikkelsen was not denied entry for any memes or political reasons, it was for his admitted drug use. — CBP (@CBP) June 24, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Homeland Security deputy secretary Tricia McLaughlin called the story 'false' and 'BS' in a post on X. She also insisted that Mikkelsen was not allowed entry into the US after he admitted to using drugs. In a post on Facebook, Homeland Security said, 'FACT CHECK. Claims that Mads Mikkelsen was denied entry because of a meme are unequivocally FALSE.' 'TRUTH: Mikkelsen was refused entry into the US for his admitted drug use. Only those who respect our laws and follow our rules will be welcomed into our country.' 'Political reasons' were not to blame either, CBP claimed on X. Mikkelsen has admitted that the US agents came across a second photo of a wooden weed pipe. He told Nordlys that when questioned, he told them that he had tried marijuana once in Germany and once in New Mexico. He said he did not believe that was relevant, as the drug was legal in both places. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mikkelsen, not to be confused with Danish actor of the same name, said he was also questioned about drug smuggling, terror plots, and right-wing extremism, as per the Independent report. The Norwegian youth claimed that the agents forced him to provide a blood sample. The episode has left a bad taste in his mouth. Mikkelsen said, 'I would not return while the current government is in power.' Can US agents check phones at borders? Border officers in the US are authorised to look into phones, laptops and other electronic devices at ports of entry. 'These searches have been used to identify and combat terrorist activity, child pornography, drug smuggling, human smuggling, bulk cash smuggling, human trafficking, export control violations, intellectual property rights violations and visa fraud, among other violations,' the CBP says on its website. 'Furthermore, border searches of electronic devices are often integral to determining an individual's intentions upon entry to the United States and thus provide additional information relevant to admissibility of foreign nationals under US immigration laws.' ALSO READ: How US Supreme Court's ruling that curbs judges' power benefits Trump STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump tightens immigration laws Foreign individuals and immigrants have been increasingly targeted under the Trump administration, which has cracked down on immigration and national security. In March, a French researcher was denied entry after customs agents found a 'personal opinion on the Trump administration's research policy' on his phone. Last week, an Australian writer said he was deported to Melbourne over his reporting on the Columbia University protests. The DHS announced in April that its agents would start screening the social media accounts of immigrants for so-called 'antisemitic activity'. Those seeking US student visas have also been told to change the privacy settings on their social media profiles to 'public.' The US State Department recently asked diplomats to review social media profiles for 'any indications of hostility towards the citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles of the United States.' With inputs from agencies
