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.