Karen and Bill Newton, a 65 and 66-year-old couple from Britain, embarked on a dream vacation to the United States last July but ended up being detained for six weeks by U.S. immigration officials due to misunderstanding of paperwork related to bringing their car into Canada. Their intended travel route included several states before crossing into Canada, but upon reaching the border, U.S. officials found that their documentation was lacking for the vehicle, leading to their immediate detainment.

Despite Karen holding a valid U.S. visa, her husband Bill did not have one, which raised concerns for the couple as they were subsequently handcuffed and transported to a detention center after they volunteered to return to Britain. The incident has drawn significant media attention, especially after coverage by The Guardian, showcasing potential issues within U.S. immigration processes and the treatment of foreign tourists at the border.

The lengthy detention and the manner in which they were treated, including being shackled and transported in a manner commonly associated with criminal offenders, raises questions about the fairness and efficiency of the immigration system. The case illustrates a broader concern about how tourists are treated under U.S. immigration law, and it could potentially impact future tourism from the UK as travelers become more aware of these risks when planning their visits.