Jasmine Mooney Back in Canada After 12-Day Detention at U.S.-Mexico Border

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Jasmine Mooney, a 35-year-old Canadian actress known for her role in “American Pie Presents: The Book of Love,” has returned home after a grueling 12-day detention at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Mooney was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 3 while attempting to secure a new work visa after her previous visa was revoked last November. Following her release, she expressed relief but also shock at the ordeal she endured. “I’m still really processing everything,” she told reporters at Vancouver International Airport shortly after her arrival on Saturday.

During her time in detention, Mooney was moved three times and spent most of the days without proper food or rest. “I haven’t slept in a while and haven’t eaten proper food in a while, so I’m just really going through the motions,” she said, noting her physical and emotional struggles.

Mooney, who co-founded a health-focused tonic drink brand called Holy! Water, recounted the moment she was taken into custody without warning. “I feel like I’ve been kidnapped… All my stuff was taken from me and I was put in a jail cell,” she explained.

The actress highlighted the inhumane conditions she encountered during her detention, describing it as a “deeply disturbing psychological experiment”. She noted that while there were many other women in worse situations, the experience left her rattled. “I’m not allowed to feel sorry for myself at all, because every single person in here is in a way worse situation than me,” she reflected.

Mooney had decided to attempt to apply for a new visa based on advice from her lawyer, believing she would face no issues similar to her past application experiences. However, upon arriving at the San Ysidro border, she was told she lacked the necessary legal documentation to be in the U.S.

A representative from ICE confirmed that her detention complied with President Trump‘s executive orders aimed at tightening border security. These policies have raised concerns about the treatment of non-U.S. citizens attempting to enter the country.

Reflecting on the situation, Mooney stated, “I have no idea” why she was detained and stressed that she did not want to place blame on any one individual or policy. Nonetheless, she urged other Canadians to be cautious when traveling through U.S. borders, especially under the current administration. “Don’t go where you can’t come directly back to Canada,” she advised.

Mooney’s ordeal drew public attention, and she credits her friends, family, and media coverage with ensuring her safe return to Canada. Her mother confirmed her arrival home, affirming, “She is safe and sound.” In a message posted on social media after her return, Mooney expressed gratitude for the support she received during her harrowing experience.

Moving forward, Mooney plans to speak out about her ordeal and has begun writing an essay detailing her experience in detention. “I refuse to let what happened break me; instead, I’m choosing to use my voice in the hope that it can help others,” she said.