A Singaporean traveler, Gladys, recently shared an unsettling experience at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where she was reportedly detained by U.S. customs officers for two hours. Upon arrival, Gladys was told her passport couldn’t be processed and was led to a secondary screening area for further checks.
In a TikTok video posted on April 24, Gladys described the experience as both unusual and disorienting. She was taken to a backroom where electronic devices, including her phone, were prohibited, leaving her unable to contact anyone waiting outside. The waiting area was filled with people who primarily spoke Spanish, and a Spanish-language drama was playing on the television. She also observed several travelers from Europe and Asia, many holding “strong passports,” who were similarly detained.
“Purpose of the visit”
Although the customs officers were polite and non-confrontational, Gladys found the questioning to be invasive. When it was finally her turn, the officer welcomed her with a friendly tone but soon delved into personal questions. She was asked about the purpose of her visit to the U.S. and whether she had ever lived there before.
“Relationship and family details”
The conversation shifted toward her personal life, with the officer asking when she met her husband, how long they had been together, and whether they were planning to have children. Gladys explained that they were not considering relocating to the U.S., as her family remained in Singapore.
“Financial situation”
The most uncomfortable moment came when the officer questioned her finances. Despite her hesitation, Gladys was repeatedly asked to estimate how much money she had in her bank account before the interview concluded. Eventually, she was cleared to leave. Reflecting on the experience, she suspected the officer wanted to confirm she had enough funds to support herself during her stay and did not pose an immigration risk.
Gladys’s TikTok video quickly attracted attention, with many viewers expressing shock and sharing similar encounters in the comments. In a follow-up post, Gladys clarified that she was not criticizing the U.S. and emphasized that her overall trip had been overwhelmingly positive.
“Other international incidents”
Her experience is not an isolated case. Other reports have emerged, such as Renato Subotic, an Australian mixed martial arts coach who was detained for three hours over a visa issue in April 2025. Another high-profile case involved a 28-year-old tourist from Wales, who was held in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility for 19 days following a visa misunderstanding during a planned four-month backpacking trip across North America.
These accounts shed light on mounting concerns over the treatment of international travelers at U.S. borders and highlight the need for more transparent and fair immigration procedures. As more travelers come forward with their stories, calls for reforms in border screening practices are expected to grow.