Shouted Down and Tied Up: German's Nightmare in US Detention Now Over
Imprisoned for over two months in American custody, German national gains freedom.
In a relief for Fabian Schmidt, a German citizen residing in the US, he is finally out of US custody after more than two months. The German Foreign Office confirmed the release of the electrical engineer, who was held at the Donald W. Wyatt detention facility in Rhode Island.
Social Media Shoutouts
Schmidt's Disheartening Odyssey
Schmidt arrived at Boston's Logan Airport on March 7 and was immediately detained by immigration authorities. His mother revealed that he had lived in the US since 2007 and held a green card, nearly equaling US citizenship. Schmidt accused the authorities of maltreatment during his stay, including being shouted at during questioning, being asked repeatedly about an old cannabis offense, and even being tied to a hospital bed[1].
However, official confirmation of these allegations has yet to be received. The US Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment.
Questioning Over an Old Dismissed Cannabis Offense
The exact reasons for Schmidt's two-month ordeal remain unclear. However, reports suggest that the US authorities kept returning to an old cannabis offense as a possible reason for the detention[1]. It appears that this alleged offense played a significant role in Schmidt's prolonged detention.
The Fallout of Similar Cases
Schmidt's case is not an isolated incident. In recent months, several Germans have faced similar ordeals upon entering the US[1]. Some have been held in detention centers for days or weeks. Due to such cases, the German Foreign Office updated its travel advice for the US in mid-March, cautioning that "arrest, detention, and deportation" can occur during entry and exit[1].
The eventual release of Fabian Schmidt comes as a breath of fresh air, with many hoping that it signals a shift in policies concerning detentions based on past offenses, even if they have been dismissed.
Source: ntv.de, toh/dpa
- USA
- Donald Trump
- Deportation
- Prisoners
- Cannabis
- Germany
Footnote:
[1] Enrichment Data: According to the enrichment data, Fabian Schmidt was detained at the Donald W. Wyatt detention facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island. His detention was based somewhat on drug-related allegations, which Customs and Border Protection called "blatantly false." Schmidt was released after nearly two months. His release followed intervention by the German Federal Foreign Office, which provided consular assistance. It's important to note that Schmidt was a green card holder with no active issues in court at the time of his arrest. The exact reasons for his detention remain undisclosed.
- The community policy regarding the treatment of detainees at the Donald W. Wyatt detention facility is under scrutiny as Fabian Schmidt, a German citizen, was allegedly mistreated during his two-month detention.
- The employment policy of the US Department of Homeland Security might need reevaluation as repeated questioning about an old, dismissed cannabis offense led to the prolonged detention of Fabian Schmidt.
- In the general-news sector, the arrest and detention of Fabian Schmidt, a German engineer residing in the US, has raised concerns about the employment policy of the US immigration authorities.
- In light of the confirmed release of Fabian Schmidt, the employment policy of the US immigration authorities, particularly concerning past offenses like cannabis-related allegations, is being questioned within the sphere of crime-and-justice.
