Archive · 25 Jun 2025
Norwegian Tourist Denied US Entry Over Alleged Meme and Drug Use
A tourist from Norway, Mads Mikkelsen, wasn't allowed into the United States.
Mikkelsen says it was because of a funny picture on his phone making fun of a politician.
However, border officials said it was because he admitted to using drugs.
They asked him questions and looked through his phone, and he was sent home.
A Norwegian tourist, Mads Mikkelsen, was denied entry to the US at Newark Airport.
Mikkelsen claims he was denied entry due to a meme of JD Vance on his phone.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated the denial was based on Mikkelsen's admitted drug use.
Officials questioned Mikkelsen and pressured him to unlock his phone.
Mikkelsen was strip-searched, fingerprinted, and sent back to Norway.
- Who
- Mads Mikkelsen and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- What
- A Norwegian traveler was denied entry to the US.
- When
- June 11, 2025
- Where
- Newark Liberty International Airport, USA
- Why
- CBP says the denial was due to admitted drug use, while Mikkelsen claims it was related to a meme.
Mikkelsen's Claims
CBP's Claims
Reason for Denial
Mikkelsen's Claims
Entry denial was due to a meme and questioning about political views.
CBP's Claims
Entry denial was due to admitted drug use, according to CBP.
Accusations by officials
Mikkelsen's Claims
Officials accused him of extremism.
CBP's Claims
N/A
Treatment by Officials
Mikkelsen's Claims
He was pressured to unlock his phone under threat of jail or a fine.
CBP's Claims
N/A
- Name
- Mads Mikkelsen
- Nationality
- Norwegian
- Incident Location
- Newark Liberty International Airport
- Reason for Denial
- Contested: Admitted Drug Use (CBP) vs. political meme (Mikkelsen)
- Alleged Phone Content
- JD Vance meme and a wooden pipe photo
Sources
Who Is Mads Mikkelsen? Norwegian Tourist Claims He Was Denied Entry to US Over JD Vance Meme
CBP Rejects Mads Mikkelsen's JD Vance Meme Deportation Claim, Reveals Why He Was Denied Entry
Norwegian tourist denied entry into US over bald JD Vance meme? Customs officials ‘fact check’ report
Man claims he was 'denied entry into US' after 'bald JD Vance meme' found on phone
