All attention has been focused on the United States this week following the tragic death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse who was fatally shot during a protest against federal immigration policies. The incident, where Pretti was confronted by multiple federal agents, has stirred up unrest, particularly in Minneapolis where the shooting took place.
This is not an isolated case involving United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Renée Good, for instance, met a similar fate on January 7 when she was shot by an immigration officer. The video capturing her death went viral, bringing attention to the issue.
Recent reports have also highlighted challenges faced by tourists at the US border. In a notable incident in March 2025, Welsh tourist Becky Burke was detained for nearly three weeks at an ICE processing center. Her ordeal began when she was stopped from boarding a flight to Canada due to alleged violations of her travel authorization terms.
Travelers from the UK, including those using the ESTA visa-waiver program, might encounter heightened scrutiny at US border crossings. There are discussions about potentially requiring visitors to disclose five years of social media usernames and ten years of email addresses for enhanced security screenings.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the USA is projected to suffer a $12.5 billion loss in international visitor spending in 2025, making it the only country out of 184 analyzed to experience a decline in international tourism revenue.
The UK stands out as a key source market for US tourism, yet in 2025, the number of British visitors to the US dropped by 15% as reported by the WTTC.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup across North America is anticipated to attract a significant influx of fans, starting with England’s matches in Texas, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
2026 promises to be a momentous year for US tourism as well, with iconic Route 66 marking its centenary with celebratory events along the historic road, including car shows and festivals.
Additionally, the USA will commemorate its 250th year of independence with grand celebrations planned nationwide. While these events are expected to draw domestic tourists, efforts will be made to attract international visitors as well.
Are you considering a trip to the USA amidst these developments? Will the major events of 2026 entice you, or does the political landscape deter you? And how do you feel about the prospect of stricter social media screenings influencing your travel decisions?
Share your thoughts in our poll and drop a comment below.
We’re keen to hear your reasons for choosing to travel to or avoid the US at this time. Reach out to us at webtravel@reachplc.com