Canadian Jasmine Mooney detained by ICE for days after trying to enter U.S. from Mexico, her mom says
A Canadian actress known for her role in the “American Pie” movie series was detained by U.S. immigration officials while trying to renew her work visa at the Mexico-U.S. border. Jasmine Mooney, a 35-year-old business consultant and actress, was held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after her visa application was denied.
Mooney, who had previously obtained a TN visa to work in the U.S., was attempting to renew her visa with a job offer from a U.S. company. However, her visa was denied, and she was detained at the San Ysidro border crossing in Southern California for three nights before being transferred to the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego for another three nights.
Mooney’s mother, Alexis Eagles, shared on Facebook that Mooney was released from detention but later transferred to the San Luis Detention Center in Arizona along with other detainees. Mooney described her detention as feeling like she had been kidnapped, as she was abruptly informed of her visa denial and detained while trying to book a flight back to Canada.
Despite the uncertainty and worry surrounding Mooney’s detainment, her father, Stephen Mooney, expressed optimism that she would be released and allowed to return to Canada. He expected her to be brought to a detention center in Tijuana, Mexico, and then flown back to Vancouver, British Columbia, by Friday evening.
Eagles, in a Facebook post, mentioned that she had purchased a plane ticket for her daughter and was awaiting ICE approval for her release. She criticized ICE’s treatment of detainees, calling it inhumane and deeply concerning.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed that they were aware of Mooney’s detention and were providing consular assistance. However, they stated that they could not intervene in another country’s entry and exit requirements for Canadian citizens.
In a statement, an ICE spokesperson mentioned that Mooney’s detainment was in accordance with executive orders signed by President Trump. Mooney’s situation highlights the challenges faced by individuals navigating U.S. immigration policies, especially when it comes to renewing work visas.
As Mooney’s family and friends eagerly await her return to Canada, they continue to advocate for her release and highlight the need for humane treatment of detainees in U.S. immigration facilities.
