Canadian Woman Detained by ICE After Attempting U.S. Entry
A Canadian woman remains in U.S. immigration detention after attempting to enter the country from Mexico earlier this month. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took Jasmine Mooney, a Vancouver native, into custody while she was reapplying for a TN Visa. Her family and immigration experts are questioning the circumstances of her detention.
Detention and Allegations of Harsh Treatment
Mooney claims she was detained without warning at the San Diego border. She expected to renew her visa, as she had done before, but ICE agents took her into custody instead. According to Mooney, officers told her she was “unprofessional” for not having the correct letterhead on her application documents.
Her mother, Alexis Eagles, described her treatment as inhumane. Mooney spent three nights at the border before being transferred in chains to a detention facility in Arizona. She alleges that detainees are denied blankets and pillows, forced to sleep on mats, and remain shackled for extended periods.
Legal Experts Warn of Changing Immigration Policies
Immigration lawyer Len Saunders confirmed that he advised Mooney against using the San Diego border crossing due to the current political climate. He noted that southern border crossings have become more unpredictable for visa applicants.
“Typically, if someone is denied a visa, they are sent back to Canada,” Saunders said. “Instead, Mooney was detained and transferred, indicating a potential policy shift in handling such cases.”
Richard Kurland, an immigration policy analyst, emphasized that border officials have the discretion to detain foreign nationals, who have no legal right to enter the U.S. He warned that immigration detention centers can have severe conditions with minimal legal protections.
Ongoing Legal Process and Diplomatic Efforts
Now that Mooney is in a detention center, her case must go before an immigration judge. This process could take months, delaying her ability to return to Canada.
The Government of Canada has acknowledged her detention. Officials stated that they are in contact with U.S. authorities but cannot interfere with American immigration procedures.
British Columbia Premier David Eby called Mooney’s situation “terrible” and urged Canada’s federal government to seek a diplomatic resolution. “This case highlights concerns about Canada’s relationship with the U.S. and the unpredictability of its immigration policies,” he said.
Lessons for Canadians Traveling to the U.S.
Legal experts urge Canadians to be cautious when traveling to the U.S., particularly for work visa renewals.
“Always have the proper documentation and be prepared for extra scrutiny,” Kurland said. “Border officers have broad discretion, and travelers should remain polite and cooperative to avoid unnecessary detention.”
As Mooney’s case unfolds, immigration advocates continue to monitor the impact of changing border policies on Canadian citizens entering the United States.
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