Yes it's outrageous, but why compare this to Europe? Hidalgo County is right on the border, and if this would've happened just a few miles south (in Mexico) it wouldn't be too far out of the ordinary. Some parts of the US seem to operate a lot more like our neighbor to the south than like the ones across the pond.

Similar idiocy does happen to European tourists/visitors.

Google "John Kristoffer Larsgard" for an AG's narrative that makes no sense, yet made it all the way to court and a conviction. (Astroturfing on both sides - look for the facts.)

For me, the US is indefinitely off my itineraries, both private and business. I've lived there for years, and I liked it, but the risk of becoming a pawn in some elected law enforcement official's scramble for reelection - or pissing off the wrong police officer - carries too much risk.