British Tourist Detained in U.S. Over Visa Dispute After Canadian Border Denial
Rebecca Burke, 28, has been held in a U.S. immigration detention center for two weeks after visa issues led to her classification as an 'illegal alien.'
- Rebecca Burke, a British backpacker, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being denied entry back into the U.S. from Canada on February 26.
- Burke was traveling under a tourist visa but was accused of violating its terms by performing household chores for host families in exchange for accommodation.
- She is being held at a crowded detention facility in Tacoma, Washington, where she describes the conditions as cold and isolating, with limited food options that are inadequate for her vegan diet.
- Her family and local British officials, including her MP, are working to expedite her release, but ICE has indicated it could take another 10 days for her case to progress.
- The incident highlights the impact of tightened U.S. immigration enforcement policies, with Burke's family warning other travelers to thoroughly check visa requirements to avoid similar situations.