German Tourists Deported From US for Not Booking Hotel

[BumRushDaShow]

3. "It seems ridiculous to put them in a holding cell and not give them an option to just book a hotel or a hostel"

Which sounds like "made up rules".

If the U.S. is now requiring this type of info (and what these two were doing has apparently been a "thing" for at least a century or more, i.e., those who do free-style "world traveling", in this case, basically by "backpacking it" in various countries), then that should have been explicit on any visa request.

This apparently describes requirements for passport holders from countries like Germany, that are eligible for participation in "ESTA" (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) - https://de.usembassy.gov/visa-waiver-program/

It's generally used for tourists, business travelers, etc., who will be staying in the U.S. for up to 90 days, and these individuals described in the OP article, were staying for LESS time - ~5 weeks = 35 days.

This is probably why this is "news".