Charlotte Pohl, Maria Lepere Dream Trip Turns Nightmare

Two German teenagers’ dream vacation to the United States turned into a nightmare when Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents deemed their loosely planned itinerary “suspicious,” leading to detention, deportation, and a stark warning for international travelers.

Charlotte Pohl, 19, and Maria Lepere, 18, landed in Honolulu on March 18 with plans to backpack across Hawaii for five weeks before heading to California and Costa Rica. The recent high school graduates had secured an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a visa waiver for short stays. But their lack of pre-booked accommodations for the entire Hawaii trip raised red flags during immigration screening.

According to Germany’s Ostsee Zeitung, the pair faced hours of interrogation at Honolulu Airport. They were subjected to full-body scans, strip searches, and held in a cell with long-term detainees—some accused of serious crimes. The teens described sleeping on thin, moldy mattresses and being warned by guards about expired food in the facility.

After a night in custody, they were informed of their deportation. The girls requested to be flown to Japan instead of Germany but were sent home. The German Foreign Office confirmed it provided consular support, emphasizing that an ESTA does not guarantee entry.

The incident highlights a critical lesson for travelers: even with an ESTA, entry to the U.S. hinges on CBP agents’ discretion. Officials often scrutinize incomplete itineraries, insufficient funds, or unclear travel goals. The German Foreign Office urged travelers to book accommodations in advance and carry proof of return plans to avoid similar issues.

The case comes amid declining European travel to the U.S., despite efforts by officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reassure foreigners. Rubio recently stated that visitors “not coming to stir conflict” have “nothing to worry about,” referencing protests related to the Israel-Hamas war. However, stories like the teens’ detention fuel concerns about overly aggressive screening.

In March, Jasmine Mooney, a 35-year-old Canadian entrepreneur and former actress, described her “inhumane” 12-day detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while seeking a work visa. Mooney, co-founder of Holy! Water, claimed she was held in freezing conditions at the San Ysidro border, forced to sleep on a mat with only aluminum foil for warmth. She blamed bureaucratic delays for her visa issues but was eventually released.