YUMA, Arizona — Jasmine Mooney, a 35-year-old Canadian actress and entrepreneur, went through a shocking experience recently. What was supposed to be a simple visit to renew her work visa turned into a nightmare when she ended up in U.S. immigration detention for almost two weeks.
Mooney, who has worked in American films and lived in Los Angeles on a valid work visa, traveled to San Diego to restart the visa process after receiving a new job offer. However, her journey took an unexpected and distressing turn.
Detained at the Border
Jasmine entered the United States from Mexico through the well-known San Ysidro Port of Entry. She expected a straightforward visa renewal procedure. Instead, she was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, denied entry, and placed in handcuffs.
“I thought I would be able to book a flight back to Canada immediately,” Mooney said. “But instead, they detained me. It felt unreal.”
Initially, she spent several nights in a detention center near San Diego. Afterward, she was moved to the San Luis Regional Detention Center in Arizona, far from where she started. She described her experience at the Arizona facility as inhumane.
Harsh Conditions Inside the Detention Center
According to Mooney, the conditions inside the detention center were worse than anything she had imagined. She was placed in a freezing cold cell with dozens of other women, many of whom were facing similar visa or immigration issues. She had no access to a phone, no way to contact a lawyer, and very little information about why she was being held.
“It felt like being kidnapped,” she shared after returning to Canada. “I do not wish this experience on anyone. Nobody deserves to go through that.”
Mooney described how she was constantly moved from cell to cell, sleeping on hard cement floors, and left in confusion without clear communication from officials.
“Nothing made sense to me,” she added. “I was simply trying to follow the process and renew my visa. But next thing I know, I’m taken away for two weeks.”
Possible Link to U.S. Immigration Policies
When asked if her detention could be linked to President Trump’s strict immigration policies, Jasmine admitted she was unsure.
“I honestly have no idea why this happened. I don’t want to blame anyone directly because nothing was explained to me clearly. People can speculate, but I still don’t know why I was treated like this,” she said.
An ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) spokesperson commented on the situation. They explained that Mooney’s case was processed according to the executive orders signed by President Trump during his second term. The spokesperson stated, “Any non-U.S. citizen who violates immigration law may be arrested, detained, and, if applicable, removed from the country, regardless of their nationality.”
Raising Awareness After Returning to Canada
Now safe at home in Canada, Mooney is determined to speak out. She wants people to know how difficult conditions are for detainees in U.S. immigration centers.
“I cannot feel sorry for myself when I know every single person in there is going through worse situations,” she explained. “Many don’t have resources, family, or legal help. It’s heartbreaking.”
Mooney also wrote an essay for The Guardian, sharing her experience and shedding light on the harsh reality of immigration detention facilities.
The Bigger Picture: A Growing Concern
Jasmine’s story highlights a broader issue many people face when dealing with visa and immigration procedures. For some, a simple paperwork process turns into long periods of detention, confusion, and emotional trauma.
This incident brings attention to how stricter immigration policies can affect not only people trying to enter the U.S. illegally but also professionals and entrepreneurs who are legally applying for work visas.
Her case emphasizes the importance of better communication, humane treatment, and legal access for those undergoing visa or immigration checks.
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