Jasmine Mooney: A Canadian’s Viral Smile and the Story of Her Custody Ordeal
Jasmine Mooney, a 35-year-old Canadian actress, initially captivated the internet with her infectious smile. However, her story transcends that initial charm as it has morphed into a cautionary tale about the fragility of travel across borders in an increasingly complex immigration landscape. In March, Mooney experienced a nightmarish ordeal when she attempted to renew her work visa at the Mexico-San Diego border, contrary to the advice of her lawyer, leading to her being detained by U.S. authorities.
On March 3, Mooney entered an immigration office in pursuit of renewing her work visa. She believed she was making the right move, only to be met with disappointment and confusion. After spending hours explaining her situation, she learned her application would need to be handled through a consulate. Just when she thought she would simply be sent back to Canada, she was suddenly detained. In a matter of moments, her life took a harrowing turn.
Inside the "Ice Boxes"
For the next 11 days, Mooney experienced conditions that would leave most feeling broken. She found herself in what she describes as "ice boxes," a painful reference to the cement cells where detainees often spend their time. With little more than a foil emergency blanket, she faced numerous transfers and was subjected to humiliating medical examinations and degrading treatment. Despite her repeated pleas to simply let her pay for a flight home, there appeared to be no answers or compassion in sight.
Her experience took a heavy toll on her mental and physical well-being. Initially refusing food and unable to sleep, she ultimately forced herself to rise each day to support others in similar situations. Mooney recounted her time inside to CBC News, "That place breaks you into a million pieces. It is so disgusting what goes on in there."
A Growing Concern Among Travelers
Mooney’s experience is part of a broader trend that has emerged, raising alarms among travelers and legal experts alike. As the U.S. shifts its immigration policies, specifically under the Trump administration, Canadians and other non-U.S. nationals are beginning to feel the pressure of an immigration system that appears to have grown increasingly stringent.
Len Saunders, Mooney’s immigration lawyer based in Blaine, Washington, detailed the chilling effect her case has had on Canadian travelers. "It has a huge chilling effect on Canadians going to the United States," he stated, indicating a shift in how even routine travel and visa renewals are perceived. Mooney’s detention, a rare occurrence for Canadian citizens previously, is now raising fears among those contemplating travel or work in the U.S.
Stories of Other Detainees
While Mooney was released after her ordeal, she carries the emotional burden of having left many women behind in detention. With around 140 women in her unit at the Otay Mesa Detention Center, it became clear to her that she was part of a larger narrative. Many women were there for prolonged periods due to overstayed visas or undocumented status, some having traveled from distant countries in pursuit of a better life only to find themselves in detention.
Mooney met women who had lived in the U.S. illegally, those who had trekked from countries like India and Iran, enduring harmful conditions and financial hardships just to reach America—only to find themselves trapped in a cycle of detention and uncertainty. “They’re covered head to toe in bug bites and scars,” Mooney reflected on their difficult journeys. “They paid all of this money, gave up everything they owned to come to America and then end up in jail.”
A Harsh Reality of Current Policies
This narrative of entrapment and confusion comes at a time when U.S. immigration policy is seen as increasingly harsh. While Mooney’s situation is particularly noteworthy, it fits within a pattern of growing apprehension surrounding non-U.S. travelers. High-profile cases like that of German tattoo artist Jessica Brösche and a British backpacker further exemplify the heightened scrutiny being faced at the border.
“The Americans aren’t targeting Canadians specifically," Saunders reflects, "but there’s heightened scrutiny for anyone immigrating or visiting the United States." This has led to increased caution among those seeking to cross the border, with many avoiding travel altogether.
Personal Background and Early Challenges
Mooney’s journey has been fraught with difficulty since she first encountered immigration issues last spring. After attempting to apply for a work visa at the Blaine border office—where her application was denied due to missing documentation—she found temporary success in San Diego the following month. However, complications arose again when her visa was revoked under contentious circumstances involving the legality of the products she was associated with.
Following months spent back in Canada, Mooney was advised it was acceptable to try to reapply for her visa. She felt reassured when an immigration officer informed her during her March visit that “you didn’t do anything wrong” and reassured her she would simply be returned to Canada. But, before she knew it, Mooney found herself detained, stripped of her shoelaces as a precaution against self-harm, indicative of the seriousness of the circumstances she now faced.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Advocacy
Despite her release, the impact of her experience continues to resonate. Mooney speaks not just for herself, but also for those she left behind, encouraging others to understand the realities of immigration detention. She hopes to use her experience to advocate for change, shining a light on the often unseen struggles faced by those trapped within the U.S. immigration system.
Her story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges individuals face in navigating immigration policies. Mooney and her lawyer remain determined to adjust her visa status and pursue her dreams in the U.S., revealing a spirit resilient in the face of adversity. As conversations evolve around immigration and travel, stories like hers will undoubtedly continue to raise questions about fairness, justice, and humanity in the policy-making processes that shape the border experience.
