Canadian Mother and Daughter Held by ICE in Texas Amid Legal Status Dispute
A Canadian woman, Tania Warner, 47, has issued a stark warning to immigrants in the United States after she and her seven-year-old autistic daughter, Ayla, were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas. Warner, who claims to have legal documentation proving her right to reside in the US, advises others to "lie low" and avoid checkpoints while Donald Trump is president, asserting that the administration targets all immigrants indiscriminately.
Detention Details and Legal Claims
The Warner family moved from British Columbia to Kingsville, Texas, in 2021 following Tania's marriage to US citizen Edward Warner. On March 14, they were stopped at a border patrol checkpoint in Sarita, Texas, while driving home from a baby shower. Tania and Ayla were taken into custody for fingerprinting and have not been released since. Edward Warner provided a copy of an employment authorization card issued to his wife last year, valid until June 8, 2030, but ICE officials allegedly stated she overstayed her visa.
Initially held at the Rio Grande Valley central processing center in McAllen, Texas, they were transferred to the Dilley immigration processing center in south Texas, a facility reopened in early 2025 to hold families and criticized for inhumane conditions. Warner described the treatment as "horrific," noting that children were handcuffed, they slept on thin mats with constant lighting, and agents pressured her to sign self-deportation documents while denying access to a lawyer.
Impact on Family and Health Concerns
Throughout the ordeal, Ayla has shown resilience, befriending other detained children, but has developed a persistent full-body rash treated with Benadryl. Warner believes her daughter is internalizing stress from the situation. Conditions at Dilley offer slight improvements, such as windows and occasional outdoor access, but lack privacy and involve constant surveillance by guards.
Legal and Diplomatic Efforts for Release
The family's lawyer is working to secure their release on a $15,000 bond. Amelia Boultbee, a member of the legislative assembly of British Columbia, is urgently lobbying Canada's federal government for diplomatic and legal intervention. However, she notes there are few precedents for Canadian families in US detention, complicating efforts. Global Affairs Canada acknowledged awareness of multiple cases of Canadians in immigration-related detention in the US but cited privacy constraints limiting further disclosure.
ICE has not responded to requests for comment on the Warner case, despite being provided with detailed information. Warner expressed disillusionment with the US, stating, "My life is here with my husband. I love him. I don't want to leave. But at the same time, I've gotten a really ugly taste in my mouth for the United States."
