Canadian Actress Detained by ICE for 12 Days Speaks Out After Release
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Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney, known for her role in “American Pie Presents: The Book of Love” and as the co-founder of the Holy! Water wellness brand in Los Angeles, has recently been in the spotlight after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border. Mooney, who recently spoke to reporters upon her return to Canada, expressed that she is still processing the events that took place during her detainment.
Mooney’s ordeal began when she discovered that her three-year work visa had been revoked while visiting her home in Vancouver in November. In an attempt to renew her visa, she was detained by ICE when trying to re-enter the U.S. from the Mexico border on March 3. She was held in various facilities in the southwestern U.S., describing the conditions as “inhumane” and likening the experience to a “deeply disturbing psychological experiment.”
After spending 12 days in detention without any information about her situation, Mooney was finally released and transported back to Vancouver. She expressed gratitude towards her friends, family, and the media for their support during this challenging time. Mooney’s mother confirmed her safe return to Abbotsford, highlighting the relief felt by loved ones upon her arrival.
An ICE spokesperson confirmed that Mooney was detained for lacking legal documentation to be in the U.S., citing compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive order on border security. Despite her uncertainty about the reasons for her detainment, Mooney has shared her intention to use her voice to raise awareness and help others who may find themselves in similar situations.
Mooney’s attorney had advised her against applying for a visa at the U.S.-Mexico border due to the changing political climate following Trump’s presidency. The actress expressed regret over her decision, acknowledging that she would have chosen a different approach had she known the potential consequences. Her attorney had cautioned her about the risks involved in light of the prevailing political atmosphere.
During her detention, Mooney detailed harrowing experiences of being shackled and confined, with reports of spending hours wrapped in chains. The actress highlighted the resilience she found in her fellow detainees, whose stories put her own situation into perspective. Despite the challenges she faced, Mooney is determined to share her story and advocate for change in the immigration system.
As Mooney continues to reflect on her traumatic experience, she remains committed to using her platform to shed light on the realities of immigration detention. Her return to Canada marks a new chapter in her journey, one that she hopes will inspire others to speak out against injustices and push for reform in the immigration enforcement practices.