Ex-NSW cop Nikki Saroukos hits back at US Homeland Security over deportation ordeal

·

An Australian woman denied entry to the United States has publicly criticised Homeland Security for what she calls “humiliating” treatment after being detained, strip-searched, and imprisoned during a trip to visit her US Army husband.

According to news.com.au, Nikki Saroukos, a former NSW Police officer from Sydney, was travelling to Hawaii with her mother to spend time with her husband Matt when she was detained at Honolulu airport. Despite having entered the US three times previously on an ESTA visa, she was pulled aside for secondary screening, interrogated, and eventually deported.

In a rare move, the US Department of Homeland Security has since issued a detailed public statement on social media defending its actions. The statement claimed Ms Saroukos had taken “recent long-term trips” to the US, carried “suspicious luggage,” and was unable to remember her wedding date.

Homeland Security also alleged that officers discovered “unusual activity” on Ms Saroukos’ phone, including 1000 deleted messages from her husband, and said her travel plans appeared inconsistent with tourism.

“If you attempt to enter the United States under false pretences, there are consequences,” the statement concluded.

Ms Saroukos has pushed back strongly against the allegations, calling the public statement “ridiculous” and “twisted.” She said her relationship had been mischaracterised, noting she had been speaking to her now-husband for months before meeting him in person.

As for not remembering her wedding date, Ms Saroukos said her mind went blank as she was “under immense stress.”

She also explained the deleted text messages were a coping mechanism for anxiety and insisted they contained nothing illegal or improper.

Ms Saroukos said she was ultimately taken into federal custody, where she was subjected to a cavity search, forced to strip naked, and held in prison overnight before being flown home to Sydney. Her mother and husband were not informed of her detention.

“I’ve never been so terrified in my life,” she said. “I never want to return to the United States.” She now hopes her husband will be able to relocate to Australia instead.

Source: news.com.au

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

AHEPA Sydney & NSW marks OXI Day with tribute to Greece’s heroes of 1940

On Wednesday, October 29, AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc proudly held a commemorative event in honour of OXI Day. Read more here.

Dean Kalymniou on Gough Whitlam and the 50-year legacy of the Racial Discrimination Act

Dean Kalymniou reflects on Whitlam’s legacy and 50 years of the Racial Discrimination Act - a milestone in Australia’s pursuit of justice.

Konstantinos Argiros meets NSW Premier after sold-out Opera House performances

At NSW Parliament on Friday, Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Courtney Houssos and Sophie Cotsis welcomed Konstantinos Argiros.

‘Love, care and respect’: Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos share the key to 70 years of marriage

From Patras to Bexley, Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos’ 70-year love story is a timeless testament to faith, resilience, and devotion.

Accused Easey St killer Perry Kouroumblis previously gave police an alibi, court hears

Accused Easey Street killer Perry Kouroumblis has told police he was with a friend on the night two women were brutally stabbed in 1977.

You May Also Like

Inner West Mayor says Marrickville is set to formally become ‘Little Greece’

Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne, will move that Council grant the final approval for the establishment of a Greek precinct in Marrickville.

Coronavirus measures taken for Olympics torch-lighting ceremony in Olympia

Crowds will be smaller and receptions have been scrapped at the Tokyo 2020 torch lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia, Greece

Peter Poulos MP suspended from Liberal Party for six months

Besieged Upper House MP Peter Poulos has been suspended from the Liberal party for six months because of sending explicit images