British Grandmother Warns Against U.S. Travel After ICE Detention Experience

Karen Newton, a 65-year-old British grandmother, has issued a warning to potential travelers heading to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following her six-week detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Newton, who was on a road trip with her husband Bill, found herself in a dire situation after being detained at the U.S.-Canada border due to her husband's expired visa, despite holding a valid tourist visa herself. She described the conditions in the detention center as akin to a prison, where she was shackled, slept on a thin mattress on the floor, and received no medical or legal support.

Newsweek

The couple's troubles began on September 26, when they were turned away from Canada due to vehicle paperwork issues. Upon returning to the U.S., border authorities detained Newton, labeling her "guilty by association" because of her husband's visa status. She emphasized that she had complied with all necessary regulations, stating, “I am not a dangerous criminal. I didn’t enter the country illegally and I had everything I needed to be there.”

Newsweek

Newton's experience has raised concerns about ICE's practices, particularly regarding the treatment of travelers. She alleged that ICE agents are incentivized to detain individuals, claiming that agents receive bonuses for each person detained. In response, an ICE spokesperson refuted these claims, stating that bonuses are not based on detention numbers and that officers are committed to enforcing immigration laws.

Daily Mail

Newton's warning extends to young fans planning to attend the World Cup, suggesting they could easily find themselves in similar predicaments. She expressed concern about the potential for arrests during the event, stating, “If it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody.” This sentiment has been echoed by Mark Pieth, a Swiss criminal law expert, and former FIFA attorney, who advised fans to avoid the U.S. altogether. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also supported this view, emphasizing the risks associated with attending the World Cup in the U.S.

Newsweek

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has reiterated that travelers must adhere to visa regulations, warning that violations could lead to detention or removal. Additionally, the British government issued a travel warning last April, cautioning that U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry rules, which could result in arrest or detention for those who break them.

Newsweek

Karen Newton's ordeal highlights the potential risks for international travelers in the U.S., particularly in the context of heightened immigration enforcement. As the World Cup approaches, her warnings serve as a cautionary tale for those considering travel to the United States, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of immigration enforcement under the current administration.

Newsweek