B1/B2 Visa Holder Denied Entry at LAX, Held by CBP for Days

A B1/B2 visa holder who was denied entry at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has reportedly been held by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for several days, leaving his family unable to contact him or confirm his current condition. The incident, first shared on Reddit, has raised questions about what happens inside immigration detention after a traveller is refused entry at a US airport.

What happened At The Los Angeles Airport?

According to the post, the traveller arrived in the United States on a valid B1/B2 tourist visa but was stopped for secondary inspection at LAX. Following questioning by CBP officers, he was denied entry into the country.

Shortly after landing, he briefly managed to access his phone and informed a contact that his visa had been rejected and he was being held by authorities. After that short message, communication reportedly stopped completely.

“Phone Went Silent” Triggers Concern

What has intensified concern in this case is the sudden loss of contact. Family members and his friend say there has been no phone activity or updates since the initial message from the airport detention area. In CBP custody cases, phone access is often extremely limited or completely restricted after initial processing, especially once formal detention begins.

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Valid Visa Rejected on Arrival at LAX

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"Shortly after arriving, he briefly got access to his phone for about 5 minutes and messaged me that his visa had been denied and that they were holding him. Since then, his phone has been completely inactive, and we haven’t heard anything further. His family is understandably very worried," the post stated.

Why Entry May Have Been Denied

While officials have not publicly confirmed the reason, the case has sparked discussion around possible immigration violations linked to previous travel history. Even suspected violations from past visits can trigger stricter scrutiny during re-entry.

Reports suggest the traveller had earlier stayed in the US for around 4–5 months during a prior visit. Although he did not overstay, it is alleged that he may have done short-term informal work during that period—something strictly prohibited under a tourist visa.

"He visited the U.S. about 7-8 months ago and stayed for roughly 4-5 months. He did not overstay his authorized period of admission. However, while he was here, he ran low on money and did some under the table food delivery work for a short time.

My guess is that CBP may have discovered this and concluded that he violated his visa. Does that seem like a likely reason for being denied entry?," the post explained.

What CBP Custody Actually Means

When a traveller is denied entry at a US port of entry, they are placed under CBP supervision until removal arrangements are completed.

This usually involves:

Secondary processing at the airport

Temporary holding in restricted facilities

Limited or no communication access

Coordination for return travel

In most cases, the individual is eventually placed on a return flight to their home country.

How Long Can Someone Be Held?

There is no fixed timeline for CBP detention after entry denial. The duration depends on several factors, including:

Availability of return flights

Completion of immigration paperwork

Security and background checks

Airline coordination for deportation

While some cases are resolved within 24–72 hours, others may take longer depending on logistical delays.

What Happens After Entry Is Refused

Once US authorities deny entry, the traveller is typically:

Issued expedited removal or withdrawal of admission

Held until deportation is arranged

Sent back on the next available flight

The incident is recorded in immigration databases, which can impact future visa applications and travel eligibility.

Why US Immigration Rules Are Strict at Airports

Even with a valid visa, entry into the United States is not guaranteed. CBP officers have the final authority to decide whether a traveller can enter the country. They may deny entry if they suspect:

Previous visa misuse

Unauthorised work

Inconsistent travel history

Misrepresentation of purpose of visit

Rising Concerns Among Frequent Travellers

Cases like this have triggered discussion among international travellers about stricter border enforcement in the US.

While most visa holders enter without issues, secondary inspection and denial at the port of entry remain a legal possibility based on officer discretion and travel history review.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.