SAN LUIS — A Canadian woman detained for nearly two weeks at an Arizona immigration facility has been released, but her ordeal has sparked criticism over the treatment of detainees in U.S. custody.
Jasmine Mooney, 35, was taken into custody on March 3 while attempting to enter the United States at the San Ysidro border crossing near San Diego. U.S. officials denied her work visa and detained her, initially holding her in California before transferring her to Arizona’s San Luis Detention Center in the middle of the night.
Her family and supporters say the conditions at the facility were inhumane. According to reports, Mooney and other detainees were housed in a concrete cell with no natural light, constant fluorescent lighting, and limited bedding and bathroom access.
Mooney’s mother, Alexis Eagles, expressed frustration over her daughter’s treatment. “She has no criminal record, no charges, and yet she was detained in chains and forced to endure these conditions,” Eagles told the Vancouver Sun.
Critics argue that Mooney’s case highlights broader concerns about U.S. immigration detention, particularly at for-profit facilities like San Luis. Some pointed out that her story gained widespread attention partly because she is a Canadian businesswoman, while many others in similar situations go unheard.
Mooney’s transfer to Arizona initially caused panic when her family lost track of her for over 24 hours. An online tracking system incorrectly marked her as released, leading to confusion about her whereabouts.
After intense pressure from Canadian officials, lawyers, and media coverage, Mooney was finally released and is en route home. Global Affairs Canada confirmed its involvement but said its ability to intervene was limited.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not publicly commented on why Mooney was detained for so long or the conditions at the Arizona facility.
Her case has reignited calls for greater oversight of immigration detention centers, especially private facilities in Arizona, where detainees have frequently reported poor conditions and prolonged stays.
While Mooney is now free, her family and advocates say they will continue pushing for answers about why she was treated this way—and for change in how detainees are handled in Arizona and beyond.
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