Unveiling the Odyssey of a German Detained for Over Two Months in US Custody
Imprisoned German individuals liberated from two-month-long American captivity.
Get the scoop on a recent ordeal experienced by a German citizen with a US residence permit. This fellow, 34-year-old Fabian Schmidt, had been living happily in the US since 2007 but faced an unexpected nightmare after spending more than 60 days in US custody. Reminiscent of a long-drawn-out odyssey, Fabian's harrowing tale is now making heads turn.
Fabian's mother shares her concern and talks about her son's release. The backstory behind this ordeal remains somewhat obscure, but one thing is certain - Fabian had a green card, which grants him almost equal rights as a US citizen. He alleges harsh treatment by the authorities.
The Struggle Behind the Scenes
According to reports, Fabian was apprehended on March 7 at Boston's airport upon entry. Later, he was transferred to a detention center in Rhode Island. The details of his questioning and treatment are disturbing. Fabian claims he was yelled at during interrogations at the airport and forced to disrobe. In custody, he fell ill, prompting a visit to a clinic where he was reportedly tied to a bed. Although these allegations remain to be substantiated, the US Department of Homeland Security has declined to comment.
The German General Consulate in Boston has taken charge of advocating for Fabian's cause and providing consular support. With multiple instances of similar cases emerging, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice for the US in mid-March. The new advisory advises travelers to be cautious, as arrest, detention, and deportation could occur during entry and exit, due to prior convictions, false statements about the purpose of stay, or even an excess of stay duration.
A Possible Connection to an Old Drug Offense
Recent reports suggest that the US authorities' actions against Fabian could be linked to an old drug offense. The inquiry seems to have repeatedly returned to a cannabis offense from nearly a decade ago, which was eventually dropped.
In recent months, there have been other cases, including German citizens who were arrested upon arrival in the US. Several individuals were held in detention centers for days or even weeks.
While the specifics of Fabian Schmidt's case are still unclear, his tale underlines the importance of understanding the complexities and potential pitfalls of travel and immigration within the US, particularly under the Trump administration. Stay informed, travel wisely, and always be prepared.
Source: ntv.de, toh/dpa
- Travel Advisories
- US Immigration Policies
- Deportation
- Cannabis Offenses
- Harsh Treatment
- The German General Consulate in Boston has been advocating for Fabian Schmidt, a German citizen residing in the US, who spent more than 60 days in US custody, raising concerns about American community and employment policies regarding detainees.
- A connection to an old drug offense, specifically a cannabis offense from nearly a decade ago, is suspected to be the reason for Fabian Schmidt's arrest upon arrival at Boston's airport, causing alarm and prompting updates to the Foreign Office's travel advice for US bound travelers.
- Though the US Department of Homeland Security has declined to comment on the allegations of harsh treatment against Fabian, the increasing number of similar cases highlights the need for travelers to be cautious and aware of potential pitfalls in the US immigration system, especially under the Trump administration.
- As a result of cases like Fabian Schmidt's, the Foreign Office has updated travel advisories to emphasize the possibility of arrest, detention, and deportation due to prior convictions, false statements, or excess stay duration, making it crucial for travelers to know their rights and privileges under both general-news related policies and employment policies within the US immigration system.
