San Diego, California – After being detained for nearly two weeks in what she described as “inhumane” conditions by US border authorities, Canadian entrepreneur and actor Jasmine Mooney is finally back home in Vancouver. Mooney, a co-founder of the beverage brand Holy! Water, was detained on March 3rd in San Diego over an incomplete visa application.
The 35-year-old Canadian citizen had reportedly been travelling from Vancouver to Los Angeles when her work visa was revoked in November. Instead of being sent back to Canada or given the chance to fix her application, Mooney was arrested by US Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Ysidro border crossing between Mexico and San Diego.
Mooney, who had no criminal record, spent three nights in a detention center before being transferred to the San Luis detention center in Arizona. She was shocked by the conditions she faced there, describing sleeping on a mat with no blanket or pillow, covered in aluminum foil like a “dead body.” Her mother, Alexis Eagles, expressed concerns about the lack of natural light and limited facilities in the facility.
Despite the ordeal, Mooney is grateful for the support she has received and is currently processing the traumatic experience. She shared her story with reporters at Vancouver International Airport, emphasizing the challenges she faced in the detention center and the relief of finally being back home.
Mooney’s case raises questions about the treatment of individuals in immigration detention and the need for transparency in border control procedures. Her experience highlights the struggles faced by many individuals navigating complex visa processes and the impact of policy decisions on individuals’ lives. The Canadian government has been made aware of Mooney’s situation and is providing assistance as she recovers from the traumatic experience.