F(22)Got hit on by JFK border agent, now I’m scared..

I’m a female international student attending school in the states, I was entering the US through JFK(not my first time), through the foreigner/visa line.

And when it was my turn to talk to the agent and pass through the border, everything was going well we were even having a laugh and all of a sudden, the agent asked me to walk with him, while holding my passport ,I was freaking terrified, as I thought I was going to be detained or deported .(i’m sure all international students on a student visa would understand me, because usually 99% of the time when the agents asks you to walk with them it means your going into the “little dark room” aka the room where you will be questioned and searched or detained in. Also, given the current harsh immigration policies.) and then all of a sudden, he says “oh dw you all good on your passport, can I have your instagram?)

And tbh, I really didn’t want to, but I was wayyyyy too scared to say no. Cuz what if he gives me a hard time? what if I get deported, as we know the current political situation, it’s not a good time for international student. So under fear, I gave it. And when I got home I blocked him because I felt like he used his power to coerce me into giving him my socials. And then instantly after that I regretted the block 😭😭
Cuz now I’m afraid of retaliation, is it possible that he would use his power to find my personal information? And possibly give me a hard time at immigrations the next time I try to enter? Or try report me to ice idk 😭

And lastly, is this even legal? Is this professional at all? I really didn’t expect this from government, border agents. I love New York and I am grateful and appreciative for my time in the states, but is this normal? Cuz this kind of thing you would never expect from my country‘s government officials or any other countries I ever visited. So I also wanted to ask if this is really appropriate for government officials?

Posted Jul 6, 2026, 1:27 PM UTC

23286
Loading comments…