The U.K. has raised its travel warning for those entering the United States amid the ongoing immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, Reuters reported on Thursday.
The Foreign Office now advises travelers to “comply with all entry, visa, and other conditions of entry,” warning that U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry rules. It adds that travelers may be arrested or detained if they break these rules.
Previously, in early February, the guidance was more general and did not mention arrest or detention, only stating that U.S. authorities “set and enforce entry rules.”
The update follows the case of U.K. tourist Becky Burke, who was detained for over 10 days by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to what was described as a “visa mix-up.” Her parents, Paul and Andrea Burke, told the BBC that she was taken in “leg chains, waist chains, and handcuffs,” leaving her “traumatized.” Paul Burke remarked, “She is not Hannibal Lecter.” Becky Burke has since been allowed to return home.
Other incidents have also raised concerns, including several German tourists who were detained for extended periods. One reported reason for detention was traveling with tattoo equipment. As a result, Germany updated its own travel advisory, emphasizing that a visa or entry waiver does not guarantee entry into the U.S.
