‘Welcome to Trump’s America’: CEO held by FBI at Miami airport despite O 1 visa, slams rising US xenophobia 

A Malaysian-Indian businessman, who spent more than 20 years building companies in the United States, says he was arrested and interrogated by FBI agents immediately upon landing in Miami – despite having an O-1 visa reserved for individuals with “extraordinary abilities.”

The CEO, who heads a US company that employs 230 people worldwide and has paid US taxes for 22 years, described the moment as surreal and revealing a broader climate of hostility towards immigrants.

“So I arrived in Miami, to Trump’s America,” he said. “The first thing that happened was that as soon as I got off the plane and got to the airport, I was greeted by two FBI agents.”

“Now, I have an O-1 visa, which gives me the right to work and live in America. It’s a visa for people with special talents. However, there are two FBI agents.”

The CEO revealed that the agents asked him about his recent travel history, especially trips to Dubai, Istanbul, and Brazil. “They wanted to know why I visit countries like Dubai, Istanbul, Brazil. For the record, Türkiye, Brazil, music festivals, I love music. Dubai, it’s now the global center of capitalism.”

The agents also demanded access to his digital life. “They also wanted to know all my social media. I had to give them my WhatsApp number, and all my social media accounts, because social media is now being monitored a lot for freedom of expression.”

Although he described the agents as professional – “very nice” and respectful – he stressed that the encounter left him in shock. “I really can’t wait for the next election because what’s happening in America right now is crazy. Fearmongering, xenophobia, and blaming of immigrants by politicians who have no ideas about how to make a country truly great.”

The incident is believed to reflect a growing pattern. “It’s crazy the amount of xenophobia and fear-mongering that’s happening in this country right now. Towards immigrants, to people who come from foreign countries.”

Pointing to broader consequences, he noted that the United States is already seeing the repercussions of its increasingly hostile stance. “It is not surprising that tourism in America is down by 15%. This is a big problem. The percentage of foreign students applying to American universities has dropped to approximately 20%.”

He added that such rhetoric is not limited to the United States. “What is happening now, in the United States, as in other Western countries, is that men who have no idea how to deal with the future demonize anyone who looks different. Because pressing the fear button is the easiest way to win votes when you have no talent.”

Despite the ordeal, he called on Americans to restore their values. “If you are an American, I hope you learn how to identify candidates who actually align with American values. Freedom, democracy, immigration, entrepreneurship, and diversity.”

His video account quickly went viral, sparking a wave of emotional reactions online. One user wrote: “This is crazy! Why do they feel they have the right to check people’s phones, this is an in-depth investigation without any warrants!”

Another added: “Pushing the fear button is the easiest way to gain votes when you have no talent. Yes!”

However, for the CEO, the personal toll is clear. “I’m really, really afraid to visit America these days,” he said.