Canadian Mother and Daughter Detained by ICE in Texas for 13 Days
Canada Wire | 27 March 2026
A British Columbia mother and her seven-year-old autistic daughter have been held for 13 days in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Texas, despite having what the family claims is valid immigration paperwork.
Tania Warner and her daughter, Ayla Lucas, were detained on 14 March 2026 after being stopped at a checkpoint while travelling with Warner’s American husband, Edward. The family was returning from a baby shower.
“She’s pretty stressed out,” Warner told CTV News from detention on her 13th day in custody. “I’m the most stressed I’ve ever been in my life, and so is my seven-year-old.” Warner has described the ICE guards as “sadistic, inhumane and abusive,” claiming she was taunted for being Canadian.
Warner, who is married to an American and has been living in the U.S., says she has documents showing she is in the country legally, but agents were not swayed. Her husband has expressed deep concern for their mental health, particularly for Ayla, who has autism.
Global Affairs Canada has confirmed it is providing consular assistance. Minister of National Defence Anita Anand stated officials are “doing all we possibly can” to aid the family.
Background: Consular Assistance for Canadians Detained Abroad
According to the Government of Canada’s static guidance, Canadian citizens detained abroad have the right to contact a consular official for assistance. Consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers and guide citizens through the legal process of the foreign country. Importantly, a Canadian citizen cannot be denied re-entry to Canada once a criminal sentence abroad is finished.
The process for Canadians arrested or detained outside Canada is outlined on Travel.gc.ca. Foreign nationals must be advised of their right to have their consulate notified upon arrest or detention—a practice underscored by the U.S. State Department’s consular notification rules.
Canada is also a signatory to the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations, which aims to end the practice of arbitrary arrest to exercise leverage over foreign governments.
Public Reaction and Commentary
The case has sparked concern and commentary. Some media reports warn Canadian expatriates in the U.S. to “lie low” as ICE appears to be increasing scrutiny, detaining individuals based on “even small indiscretions” with their paperwork.
An opinion piece in the Toronto Star argues that “Canada must finally admit it was wrong” in its handling of certain long-term detention cases, suggesting the government should settle rather than fight prolonged legal battles.
The incident coincides with a reported U.S. appeals court ruling that sided with the administration’s policy of detaining immigrants without bond, part of a broader crackdown.