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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.
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