German Tattoo Artist Detained at U.S. Border for Over a Month in Unusual Immigration Case
A Berlin-based tattoo artist, Jessica Brösche, has been held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention for over a month after attempting to enter the U.S. from Mexico at the San Diego border, according to a close friend who witnessed her detainment.
Brösche, who had been vacationing in Mexico, was traveling with her American friend Nikita Lofving when she was taken into custody at the San Ysidro port of entry. Lofving, a Los Angeles-based clothing designer, recalled the shocking moment:
“They took her right in front of me as we were walking over. Two hours later, she called me and said, ‘Hey, I’m gonna get deported back to Germany. I’ll call you from Germany in a couple of days.’”
That call was on January 25—yet weeks later, Brösche remains in ICE detention at Otay Mesa Detention Facility in San Diego County, well beyond her expected departure on February 15.
Why Is She Still in Detention?
ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have not provided a clear reason for the prolonged detainment. CBP stated that if a foreign national is denied entry to the U.S. and unable to immediately book a flight home, they are transferred into ICE custody.
An ICE spokesperson later stated that Brösche was detained due to “violation of the terms and conditions of her admission.”
Lofving believes immigration officials misinterpreted Brösche’s reasons for entering the U.S. The German artist was planning to tattoo Lofving as part of an ongoing personal art project—but officials may have mistaken this for illegal work.
“I mean, she was coming to work, but not really for money,” Lofving explained. “We have an agreement between artists. She’s been tattooing me for five or six years, and in exchange, I make clothes for her.”
‘Horrible’ Treatment in Detention
In a phone interview last month, Brösche described her harrowing experience at Otay Mesa, where she was kept in solitary confinement for eight days upon entering custody.
“I just want to get home, you know? I’m really desperate,” Brösche told KGTV. “I don’t really understand why it’s taking so long to get back to Germany.”
Lofving and Brösche’s family have arranged a March 11 flight back to Germany, but ICE has yet to approve the ticket, delaying her release.
An ‘Extremely Concerning’ Case
The German Consulate in Los Angeles confirmed that they are actively involved in Brösche’s case, coordinating with U.S. authorities, family, and friends.
Meanwhile, immigration experts are questioning the unusual length of Brösche’s detention. According to Jeff Joseph, president-elect of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, tourists entering the U.S. via the Visa Waiver Program (as Brösche did) are typically deported immediately, not held in detention for extended periods.
“Normally, if someone is denied entry, they’re just put back on a flight home,” Joseph explained. “That does not appear to have happened in this case. Her extended stay in detention is extremely concerning.”
What Happens Next?
While private prison company CoreCivic, which operates Otay Mesa, claims detainees receive “respectful and humane treatment”, Brösche’s experience raises serious questions about U.S. immigration handling of visa waiver entrants.
With her flight booked and support from family, friends, and the German government, Brösche hopes to finally be released and return home on March 11—if ICE allows it.
