At Anchorage Airport, Woman From India Says Detained, Searched By Male Officers, Not Allowed Bathroom

 TED STEVENS AIRPORT  

Another Alarming Border Detainment As Summer Tourism Is About To Start 

Anchorage International was busy on July 24th, 2024. (Photo, Country Journal) 

Travelers From All Over The World Have Been Targeted, Some For What Was On Their Phones 

This One In Anchorage Seems To Have Been Triggered By A Smartphone Portable Battery Charger, Woman Says 

A woman from India was detained at Ted Stevens Anchorage International for 8 hours, according to the website aviationa2z.com. It seemed to be one of the first incidents happening in Alaska, a major tourism destination for Europeans, Asians, and Canadians. Alaska is a very popular destination for wealthy blended families of U.S.-based Indian tech professionals along with their extended family members from India.  Indian travelers are very commonly seen in places like Denali National Park. 

Shruti Chaturvedi said she'd been flagged at Ted Stevens due to a "suspicious" power bank, according to a story on aviationa2z.com. 

 

These are what power banks look like: 

The woman, who was apparently in Anchorage for work reasons, said she was physically searched by male officers, not allowed to make phone calls, and not allowed to use the restroom for 8 hours, while being kept in a cold room, and forced to take off her warmer clothing. She and a companion were intensively questioned, she said. 

The incident apparently involved Alaskan police and the FBI. There is a large FBI facility in downtown Anchorage. 

After she left the United States, the woman reported the incident on X. She said the duo had no evidence of wrongdoing. She also said her luggage was confiscated and apparently not returned. 

The story has extensive coverage in news sources all over India, including the Times of India, Jagran English, GujaratSamachar, Telegraph India, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, The Economic Times, Live India, and India Weekly.