Canadian Woman in ICE Custody After Alleged Assault During Visa Overstay

A video recently released by the Department of Homeland Security shows a Canadian woman, Kaitlyn Tracey, accused of overstaying her visa, allegedly slapping a teenage girl over pro-Trump and ICE clothing on a New Jersey boardwalk. Tracey is now in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody awaiting removal proceedings.

The Department of Homeland Security shared the video on social media, referring to Tracey as a ‘Maple Leaf Menace’ and confirming her detention pending immigration actions. According to DHS, Tracey entered the U.S. on a visa that expired on September 6, 2024, but remained in the country unlawfully after the expiration date.

The video appears to depict Tracey approaching and striking the teenager before walking away. A DHS spokesperson informed Fox News Digital that Tracey overstayed her visa and was arrested following a controlled transfer to ICE custody, facilitated by the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department. She is among the nearly 70% of ICE arrests for illegal immigrants involved in criminal activity.

Matthew Geroni, identifying himself as Tracey’s husband, refuted the allegations in an interview with NJ.com. He expressed disbelief over the escalation of the incident, stating Tracey has never been in trouble before. Geroni characterized the situation as amplified by conservative media attention, leading to Tracey’s detention.

The affidavit from police reported the teenage girl and friends were verbally confronted by Tracey over their clothing featuring ‘Trump’ and ‘ICE.’ Tracey allegedly struck the victim in the face and body, prompting her arrest on assault and child endangerment charges at the beach resort town.

Police attempts to stop Tracey were unsuccessful as she refused to identify herself, continuing down the boardwalk. Subsequently, investigators identified Tracey utilizing social media and passport information from her U.S. entry.

Following Tracey’s arrest, Geroni turned to social media with emotional pleas for legal assistance, including forming a GoFundMe campaign. However, the crowdfunding platform removed the campaign due to its policy against fundraising for the legal defense of violent crimes.

The incident drew interest from Capitol Hill after DHS issued the surveillance video. Rep. Riley Moore commented on social media, suggesting Tracey would be returned to Canada. Tracey is slated for a court appearance on August 4 in Ocean County Superior Court. Her attorney, Francis R. Hodgson, declined to comment on the case.