Bald J.D. Vance
Bald J.D. Vance Meme KYM

A Norwegian tourist was refused entry into the United States after border officials at Newark Airport found a meme on his iPad depicting Vice President JD Vance bald. The viral image, shared in a private group chat, unexpectedly landed the 21-year-old in detention and on a flight back to Oslo the same day.

What Triggered the Detention

The traveller, identified as Mads Mikkelsen, had flown from Oslo to visit friends in New York and Texas. Upon arrival on 11 June, he was pulled aside by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for additional screening.

According to Mikkelsen, officers demanded to inspect his electronic devices, threatening penalties if he refused. Under pressure, he unlocked his iPad, where agents found a meme mocking JD Vance. The image, which had been automatically saved from a group chat, showed the US vice president digitally altered to appear bald.

What Else Was Found on the Device

Alongside the meme, CBP agents reportedly flagged a photo of a hand-carved wooden pipe. Mikkelsen said the pipe was a souvenir, but officials treated it as potential drug paraphernalia.

He was detained for several hours, fingerprinted, questioned further, and then told he would not be permitted entry. By evening, he was placed on a return flight to Norway.

@philipdefranco

JD Vance Meme Gets Man Detained & Kicked Out Of America #usa #norway This photo of JD Vance got this man thrown in jail, so he says. This Norwegian man came to America for a 2 month vacation where he would visit New York, Texas, and then explore our national parks with his mom. When he arrived at Newark airport, he said customs pulled him aside and told him that if he didn’t unlock their phone for them - he would be fined at least $5,000 or spend 5 years in prison. He gave them the password and then they went through his photos, and upon finding this photo of JD Vance - they denied him entry and canceled his vacation. Before we go any further, you should remember that this was a trend a few months ago that JD Vance himself participated in. The Customs agents, though, apparently didn’t find the photo funny, and they allegedly pushed him against a wall and forcibly strip-searched him. He says he was then forced to give blood samples, a facial scan, and fingerprints. They also asked him about drug smuggling, terrorist plans, and right wing extremism. He was then allegedly thrown in a cell for 5 hours without food or water, and then deported back to Oslo. He says he has not received an explanation or documentation for why he was denied entry. Back in March, a French scientist was refused entry because he criticized Trump in his private text messages. And earlier this month, they searched and denied entry to an Australian journalist for writing about the Columbia protests last year. There’s a lot of irony here. The Trump regime continues to criticize Europe for a perceived lack of free speech but god forbid you say anything about him and his cronies, and they come kick down your door. Free speech is fundamental to the American identity and we’re seeing it being stripped away from us every day.

♬ original sound - Philip DeFranco

CBP's Explanation

In a statement, CBP denied that the meme played any role in the decision. Officials claimed Mikkelsen's 'own statements' during the interview and the pipe photo raised red flags. They insisted the refusal was not politically motivated.

Despite this, the bizarre nature of the incident — particularly involving a humorous meme — quickly gained attention online.

Why the Meme Matters

The bald JD Vance meme first went viral earlier this year after a tense White House meeting with Ukrainian officials. It became part of a broader trend of internet users poking fun at public figures through digital edits.

Vance has reportedly not objected to the meme and is said to have laughed it off in private. However, for travellers, distinguishing between lighthearted content and perceived threats can be murky — especially at border checkpoints.

'I Had No Idea a Meme Could Get Me Deported'

Speaking to reporters in Oslo, Mikkelsen said the experience left him humiliated.

'I'd never been to the US before. I had no idea something this minor could lead to being refused at the door,' he said. He also noted that CBP officers did not specify whether he was banned long term or could attempt to re-enter the country in future.

Border Searches and Digital Privacy

Mikkelsen's case underscores a growing trend in US border enforcement, where phones, laptops and tablets are routinely searched without warrants. Immigration officers are increasingly reviewing social media activity and digital content as part of the screening process.

For one first-time traveller, a meme shared in jest became the reason his American trip never began — a stark reminder of how digital footprints can carry real-world consequences.

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