Reports of a US green card holder being stripped naked and violently interrogated at Boston’s Logan Airport have sparked widespread outrage on social media. Fabian Schmidt, a New Hampshire resident, was detained after returning from Luxembourg and subsequently transferred to an ICE detention facility, according to his mother, Astrid Senior, who spoke to Newsweek.

Social media backlash

The incident has ignited fierce criticism, with many users decrying the treatment of non-citizens under the current administration.

  • Some labelled the US as “barbaric,” warning non-citizens to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
  • Others linked ICE’s practices to “Israeli fascist procedures” or suggested authoritarian tactics are now targeting even white immigrants, not just brown and black individuals.
  • A few speculated on AI surveillance systems and even alleged that such actions align with Russian President Putin’s supposed plan to discredit American democracy.

A minority defends ICE

While the majority expressed alarm, some users defended ICE, stating that green cards are privileges, not rights, and suggesting Schmidt’s conduct may have warranted the harsh treatment.

Context

This incident comes amid broader concerns about tightening immigration enforcement and growing unease over the erosion of civil liberties for permanent residents and visitors under Donald Trump’s presidency.