U.S. border officials arrested a German tattoo artist and put her in solitary confinement after she tried to cross the southern border. On January 25th, authorities detained 26-year-old Jessica Brösche. She tried to enter the U.S. from Tijuana, Mexico, into San Diego. Brösche traveled with her American friend, Nikita Lofving. They used the ESTA visa waiver program, which lets some travelers visit the U.S. without a visa.
Arrest and accusations
Brösche and Lofving carried tattooing equipment when border officials stopped them. Immigration officials accused Brösche of working in the U.S. during her last visit. She had used the ESTA program to enter the country, but the program only allows tourism, not work. Brösche could not prove she was only a tourist, and officials did not believe her. Lofving asked them to send Brösche back to Mexico, but they refused. Instead, they decided to deport her to Germany, saying she could not prove she lived in Mexico.
Jessica kept several days in detention
Officials held Brösche in a small cell at the San Diego border for several days. They later transferred her to ICE custody and took her to the Otay Mesa Detention Center. She has stayed there for over a month. Brösche said she feels desperate to return home. She revealed that she spent eight days in solitary confinement and described the experience as a “horror movie.” Guards locked her alone in a tiny room with little to no contact with anyone.
The company that runs the detention center, CoreCivic, denies that Brösche was placed in solitary confinement. They say she wasn’t in any restrictive housing. However, Brösche and Lofving both disagree. They believe she was kept isolated for days. Lofving described hearing loud screaming from the other rooms. She said it made the situation even more terrifying. Brösche reportedly became mentally unstable after several days in isolation. Lofving said her friend began punching the walls in frustration. Brösche even had blood on her knuckles from the damage.
Jessica Brösche’s psychological struggles and health concerns
Lofving was frantic. She didn’t know where her friend was being held for a long time. She used a federal Detainee Locator to finally track Brösche’s location. Lofving also revealed that a psychologist at the detention center suggested Brösche take anti-psychotic medication. Brösche refused the medication, feeling it wasn’t necessary. The whole experience has taken a toll on her mental and physical health.
Jessica’s pending release and support
Lofving announced on Instagram that Brösche will leave detention on March 11. However, the exact details of her release remain unclear. Many people have shown support for Brösche. Supporters started a GoFundMe campaign to help with her legal fees. So far, they have raised €1,555 out of a €2,500 goal.
CoreCivic’s spokesman, Brian Todd, explained that the company uses “restrictive housing” for medical or mental health needs, or for protection. He clarified that solitary confinement is not used in their facilities. This case has raised questions about the conditions of detention centers. It also highlights concerns over how detainees are treated during their time in custody.
