Who can blame the rest of the world for staying far, far away from the United States? International tourism was already cratering in 2025, but we’re just one month into 2026 and other countries are watching in stunned horror as Trump drags the USA into what’s looking very much like a brutal military dictatorship.
Other countries certainly have their own problems, but what’s going on in Minneapolis – and specifically the street executions of Renee Good and Alex Pretti – has been front-page news around the world. Now, for what seems to be the first time, one of America’s closest allies has put out an official warning that travel across the Atlantic should be treated with caution.
As per the German government’s official travel and safety advice, they warn:
“In Minneapolis and other cities, demonstrations sometimes lead to violent clashes with immigration and security authorities.
Check the local media for updates.
Be vigilant and stay away from crowds where violence might occur.
Please note that identification requirements exist in several states; see Entry and Customs – Travel Documents.
Remain calm and follow the instructions of the authorities and local security forces.”
Frankly, it’s extremely optimistic that remaining calm and following instructions will keep you out of trouble with ICE. Chances are they’ll hear a foreign accent, realize you don’t speak perfect English, see a chance to boost their daily quota, dragging you off to some dingy cell for weeks on end.
“They were screaming”
Think that’s an exaggeration? Well, German tourists have already been detained by ICE in what their families have described as “a horror film”. Jessica Brösche, a 29-year-old tattoo artist from Berlin, and Lucas Sielaff, 25, were arrested at the Canada/US border last year after officials concluded their possession of a tattoo gun was proof they intended to work illegally.
Brösche was promptly tossed into solitary confinement for days on end, with a friend saying:
They were screaming in all different rooms. After nine days, she said she went so insane that she started punching the walls and then she’s got blood on her knuckles.”
After six weeks of hell, Brösche was returned home. As you might expect, her story made headlines in Germany, further raising anxiety for anyone thinking of taking a trip overseas. Similar tourist horror stories have made the news across other European countries, with the apparent result that flights from Europe to the US are now practically empty.
Flights from Europe to US are almost empty now pic.twitter.com/0gw0EjM8j4
— AlexandruC4 (@AlexandruC4) January 23, 2026
Trump is turning the United States into a pariah country, a scary example that other nations can point to as an argument for resisting racist authoritarian rulers. No wonder few travellers want to set foot in this dystopia, and that’s just how this administration likes it.
