‘American Pie' actress Jasmine Mooney breaks silence after 12-day ICE detention
Jasmine Mooney, known for her role in American Pie Presents: The Book of Love, has spoken publicly after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for 12 days. The Canadian actress was taken into custody on March 3 while attempting to cross the San Ysidro border between Mexico and San Diego to renew her Trade NAFTA (TN) work visa, according to her mother, Alexis Eagles.
Mooney was reportedly carrying an incomplete application for a new TN visa, which allows Canadian professionals to work in the U.S. She was initially held at the border for three nights before being transferred to Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego. After another three days, she was moved to the San Luis Detention Center in Arizona, despite online records suggesting she had been released.
Speaking to CTV News at Vancouver International Airport upon her return home, Mooney described her experience as 'inhumane', claiming she was given little to no information about why she was being detained. 'No one told me anything. Not once,' she said. 'I still don't even know how I'm home.'
During her time in detention, Mooney told ABC's 10 News San Diego that she was forced to sleep on a mat without a blanket or pillow, wrapped only in an aluminum foil sheet for warmth. She also alleged that the food quality was so poor that she avoided eating, resulting in significant weight loss.
Following her release, Mooney took to Instagram to thank those who advocated for her, reflecting on her ordeal. In a now-expired Instagram Story, she shared that she had begun writing an essay about her experience and vowed to make it public. 'I refuse to let what happened break me; instead, I'm choosing to use my voice in the hope that it can help others.'
Her case has also sparked discussions about visa policies and the treatment of detainees by U.S. immigration authorities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Asim Azhar and Merub Ali end engagement, ask fans for privacy
Listen to article Pakistani singer Asim Azhar and actress Merub Ali have announced the end of their engagement after three years, requesting privacy and understanding from their fans during this period of change. In a late-night Instagram story on Wednesday, Asim Azhar shared that the decision to part ways was made after a 'great deal of thought and reflection.' The singer explained that the couple had decided to move forward separately, but with mutual respect and peace. 'Merub and I have chosen to move forward on separate paths peacefully and mutually,' Azhar wrote. 'While we shared meaningful moments and genuinely hoped for a future together, life sometimes takes its course.' The statement further emphasised their respect for one another, noting: 'We have the utmost respect for each other and the families involved, and always will. We kindly ask for your understanding and privacy during this time, and hope this is met with the same grace with which it is being shared.' The couple had become engaged in March 2022, in a ceremony attended by close family members. Their engagement was shared publicly through coordinated Instagram posts, where both Azhar and Ali posted identical photos from the event. While the couple had kept their personal life relatively private, they were often seen together at events and supported each other's professional endeavours
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Express Tribune
John Mulaney defends wife Olivia Munn and family against "violent threats" over Ms. Rachel comments
John Mulaney has come to the defence of his wife, Olivia Munn, after her recent comments about children's YouTube content led to violent threats against their family. The controversy began when Olivia shared her opinion that she does not let their two children, Malcolm (3) and Méi (8 months), watch Ms. Rachel's popular educational videos. In an interview published on June 8, Olivia explained that while she recognises kids love Ms. Rachel, she finds the shows overwhelming and chooses not to let her children watch them. However, her remarks quickly spiralled into a backlash. Mulaney revealed that Olivia received 'violent and threatening comments and messages' directed at both her and their children. The comedian took to his Instagram Stories on June 11, stating, 'An innocent comment my wife Olivia Munn made about what children's programmes we like... has somehow unbelievably been conflated with not caring about the deaths of children in Gaza.' Photo: Instagram In response, Olivia Munn clarified her intentions, saying she never meant to undermine the joy Ms. Rachel brings to families. Photo: Instagram Ms. Rachel, the YouTuber behind the children's videos, responded with empathy, stating her support for Munn and distancing her comments from Olivia's personal views.
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Saba Qamar skipped Eid glamour for rest
Actor Saba Qamar has opened up about her absence from social media during Eidul Azha, revealing that she chose rest over ritual dressing this year. In a heartfelt Instagram story, the Kamli actor explained she spent the three days of Eid in quiet reflection, prioritising healing and self-care after a demanding year of non-stop work and travel. "I know so many of you were waiting to see my Eid look this time, and I just want to say that there wasn't one," Qamar wrote. "I didn't wear anything special, didn't dress up, and, for once, I didn't feel like I needed to." The actor added that she spent Eid taking it slow. "This Eid, I chose rest - pure, simple, and soulful rest," she said. "I spent these three days lying down, oil in my hair, good food in front of me, quiet prayers in my heart, and a whole lot of healing." "My heart was quietly asking for a break, and I listened," Qamar explained. "Sometimes, we have to pause, breathe, and come home to ourselves. This Eid, I did just that. No glam, no noise - just me-time." This is not the first time the star has emphasised the importance of a break. While most celebrities welcomed 2025 with a more energised online presence, Qamar worried fans with a brief social media hiatus. Taking to Instagram Stories, she reassured fans that her absence on social media was not a cause for alarm. "Sometimes in life, you just need to take a step back, be quiet for a bit, and give yourself some time to heal and recharge," she penned. With more gentle words to dispense, Qamar continued, "I promise this is just a little pause, not the end of anything. Even the brightest stars need to rest sometimes so they can shine even brighter."
