Sun Mar 09 07:20:00 UTC 2025: ## German Tattoo Artist Detained in US for 25 Days, Facing Deportation

**SAN DIEGO, CA** – A German tattoo artist’s planned artistic reunion in Los Angeles turned into a month-long ordeal after she was detained by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Jessica Brösche, 26, was apprehended on January 25th while attempting to cross the border with her friend, Amelia Lofving. Despite possessing a valid German passport and visa waiver, Brösche was accused of intending to violate the terms of her visa by working as a tattoo artist in LA.

CBP initially informed Lofving that Brösche would be deported within days. However, Brösche remained in federal custody for 25 days, initially at a CBP holding cell and subsequently at the Otay Mesa Detention Center, an ICE facility. During her detention, Brösche endured nine days in what she described as solitary confinement, lacking basic necessities like a blanket and pillow, a condition seemingly violating CBP’s internal detention standards.

Lofving, initially unaware of Brösche’s location, launched an online search, aided by concerned internet users who located Brösche using a federal detainee locator. Local resident Ashley Paschen, moved by Brösche’s story on TikTok, visited her at the detention center, delivering messages from family and friends and informing Brösche of efforts to secure her release.

The ordeal has raised concerns about the US immigration system’s efficiency and cost. The average daily cost of detaining a non-citizen is $164, meaning Brösche’s month-long detention cost taxpayers approximately $4,900. Brösche’s return flight to Berlin was scheduled for February 15th, fueling questions about the justification for her prolonged detention. The German consulate in Los Angeles is reportedly working with US authorities to resolve the situation. Immigrant rights activists have criticized the incident as highlighting flaws within the system. As of this reporting, Brösche remains in detention, awaiting deportation, while the reasons behind her prolonged incarceration remain unclear. CBP declined to comment on the specifics of the case.

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