The young woman had planned to spend a month with a friend in Los Angeles and then fly home to Berlin. But she’s been in federal custody since late January.

Brösche, 26, never made it to LA. She’s been in federal immigration custody since Jan. 25 — the day they tried to cross into the United States through the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Brösche had her German passport, confirmation of her visa waiver to enter the country, along with a copy of her return ticket back to Berlin, Lofving said. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent pulled Brösche aside for a secondary inspection.

She didn’t know it then, but it would be 25 days before Lofving would see her friend again. Brösche would spend that time in federal detention, where she remains, waiting for a deportation flight back to Berlin.

  • @[email protected]English
    29•2 days ago

    I’ve visited the US a couple of times for work.

    I’ve been very careful with my wording when they’ve asked if I’m there to work.

    Yes, I’m there for work. I’m employed in the EU, and I’m just there representing my employer at a fair or technical meeting. I’ll be gone in a few days.

    My colleague didn’t have the same way with his words, but back then they’d just put you on the next plane back.

    • gonzo-rand19
      20•2 days ago

      Yeah, I’ve been to the US for work-related training and it’s the same. You must emphasize that you will not be working as an employee while you’re there, or they assume that you are.