American Pie actress Jasmine Mooney recently returned to Vancouver after spending nearly two weeks detained in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.

According to Daily Mail, the 35-year-old star of American Pie: The Book of Love was arrested on March 3 by ICE officials at the San Ysidro border crossing while attempting to enter from Mexico after her work visa was revoked.

Mooney's nightmare began when customs officials at Vancouver Airport voided her visa in November 2024 due to a paperwork issue.

Following her lawyer's advice, she flew to Mexico intending to obtain a new work visa at the border with proof of a job offer. However, border officials informed her she needed to process the paperwork at a U.S. consulate instead.

Harsh conditions inside the detention facility

Immigration officials transferred Mooney to the San Luis Regional Detention Center in Arizona, where she claims to have endured severe treatment.

The actress described feeling physically weak and confused during her 11-day stay. Her mother, Alexis Eagles, revealed that Mooney was among 30 people forcibly removed from their cells at 3 AM and placed in a concrete cell with constant fluorescent lighting and limited facilities.

After her release, Mooney shared her harrowing experience on Instagram. She expressed:

Thank you for all your messages of support. I'm sorry if I haven't been able to respond to everyone - just got home after what felt like escaping a deeply disturbing psychological experiment.

The entrepreneur plans to write about her experience to advocate for others still detained. She emphasized meeting incredibly resilient women and building a supportive community during their shared ordeal.

Political implications amid strained relations

British Columbia Premier David Eby highlighted how Mooney's case exemplifies the current tensions between Canada and the U.S. The detention occurred amid ongoing trade disputes between the two nations. Her arrest is part of a broader crackdown affecting various international visitors, including a German tattooist and a British comic artist.

The heightened border security measures stem from President Donald Trump's "Securing Our Borders" executive order, signed shortly after his January 21 inauguration. This policy has led to increased detentions of foreign nationals attempting to enter the United States.

When asked about Trump's border policies potentially influencing her experience, Mooney remained neutral, stating she didn't want to point fingers and was unsure of the exact circumstances leading to her detention.

Impact on future border crossings

Entering the U.S. illegally carries serious consequences, including potential jail time and substantial fines. First-time offenders face up to six months of imprisonment and fines of up to $250. The offense can result in entry bans ranging from three years to permanent exclusion, depending on various factors.

Mooney now cautions other Canadians seeking U.S. visas to ensure they can return directly to Canada if needed. The actress expressed regret about attempting to apply for a visa at the Mexican border, acknowledging she would have never taken that risk had she known detention was possible.

Looking ahead after release

Jasmine Mooney, the American Pie actress and Holy! Water drink company founder spent eleven distressing days in an ICE detention facility after attempting to enter the U.S. from Mexico with an expired work visa.

The Canadian entrepreneur landed at Vancouver International Airport on Saturday, greeted by her mother and friends. While the experience left her shaken, Mooney plans to document her detention story and advocate for others facing similar circumstances in immigration facilities.

Why this story matters

The experience of Jasmine Mooney resonates beyond her personal story, shedding light on broader socio-political issues relevant to both the U.S. and Canada. It underscores the importance of humane and fair immigration policies and practices, spotlighting the need for international cooperation and respect for human rights.

As Mooney embarks on her campaign to bring attention to these issues, her story emphasizes the importance of legal and procedural clarity to ensure the safety and rights of all individuals crossing borders.

In conclusion, Mooney's ordeal highlights significant concerns about immigration detention conditions, the effectiveness and humanity of border enforcement policies, and their impact on international relations. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the immediate need for policy reviews and reforms to align with the values of human rights and dignity.