In early March 2025, Canadian actress and entrepreneur Jasmine Mooney faced a distressing ordeal that has since sparked international attention and debate over U.S. immigration policies. Known for her role in “American Pie Presents: The Book of Love” and as co-founder of the wellness brand Holy! Water, Mooney’s attempt to renew her U.S. work visa led to an unexpected and traumatic detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).​

The Visa Revocation and Attempted Renewal

Mooney, a Vancouver native residing in Los Angeles, discovered in November 2024 that her three-year TN work visa had been revoked unexpectedly during a trip from Vancouver to Los Angeles. Seeking to rectify her immigration status, she traveled to the San Ysidro border crossing between Mexico and San Diego on March 3, 2025, armed with a new job offer and the necessary visa paperwork. This approach mirrored her previous successful visa application process. ​

Detention and Allegations of Inhumane Treatment

Upon arrival at the border, Mooney’s re-entry into the U.S. was denied, and she was subsequently refused re-entry into Mexico, leading to her detention by ICE. She described her experience as profoundly dehumanizing, alleging that she was confined in cold rooms without adequate bedding and subjected to shackling during transfers between facilities. “We were up for 24 hours wrapped in chains,” Mooney recounted, highlighting the severe conditions she endured.

Family’s Outcry and Political Repercussions

Mooney’s parents expressed profound distress over their daughter’s treatment. Her mother, Alexis Eagles, criticized the lack of communication and the conditions of detention, stating, “We treat cattle better than this in Canada.” Her father, Stephen, condemned the absence of due process and transparency, noting that political pressure may have played a role in securing her eventual release. ​

The incident prompted British Columbia Premier David Eby to question the safety of Canadians traveling to the U.S., reflecting broader concerns about the implications of stringent immigration enforcement on international relations. ​

ICE’s Stance and Policy Context

ICE officials maintained that Mooney was detained due to lacking legal documentation to be in the United States, citing President Trump’s executive order on border security as the basis for her detention. This incident underscores the heightened enforcement measures under the current administration, which have led to increased detentions, even among individuals from allied nations like Canada. ​

Legal Perspectives and Warnings

Immigration experts have cautioned Canadians to exercise vigilance when dealing with U.S. immigration processes. Len Saunders, an immigration lawyer familiar with Mooney’s case, expressed shock over the use of government resources against a Canadian with no criminal history, suggesting that the administration might be using such cases as deterrents. He advised Canadians to be cautious when entering the United States at this time.

Jasmine Mooney’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls within the U.S. immigration system. Her experience highlights the need for clear communication, humane treatment, and due process in immigration enforcement, especially concerning citizens from allied nations. As immigration policies continue to evolve, it is imperative for individuals and authorities alike to navigate these changes with empathy, transparency, and respect for human rights.

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