Actress Jailed After Entering US Illegally
Jasmine Mooney, a Canadian actress known for her role in American Pie: The Book of Love, broke down in tears after being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 35-year-old was held at the San Luis Regional Detention Center in Arizona while awaiting deportation to Canada. The American Pie Actress will be deported.
Mooney was arrested on March 3 at the San Ysidro border crossing between Mexico and San Diego. She attempted to enter California without a valid visa, which led to her immediate detention.
Mooney’s Claims About Her Visa Troubles
Mooney, who also runs a health water business called Holy! Water, insists her detention is a misunderstanding. She claims that her US work visa was revoked in November 2024 while she was attempting to travel from Vancouver to Los Angeles, where she had been living and running her business. According to her, a customs officer at Vancouver Airport voided her visa over a paperwork issue, though details remain unclear.
On legal advice, Mooney then flew to Mexico and attempted to enter the US via the land border with proof of a new job offer. However, border officials informed her that she needed to obtain paperwork for a visa at a US consulate, not at the border. She was then deemed an illegal alien and placed in custody. Now, the American Pie actress is to be deported.
The case comes after the case of German tourist Jessica Brösche made headlines. The tattoo artist was arrested at the border near Tijuana and spent six weeks in a detention facility awaiting deportation back to Germany.
She claimed to have been kept in isolation for nine days, banging against the walls until she was bleeding. She called her experience like in a ‘horror movie’.
American Pie Actress to be Deported Actress Breaks Down in Custody
Speaking via video call from detention, Mooney described her experience as terrifying and confusing.
“I feel like we have been kidnapped and are part of some insane experiment,” she told ABC10. “It’s been 11 days, and I have no idea what is going on. They don’t tell you anything, and I have lost so much weight. I feel physically weak.”
She also claimed to be meditating to stay calm and called the detention process unjust. “I really want to be a voice for the women in here because what is happening is so unfair. I know there’s a better way to do this.”
ICE Confirms Detention as Legal Crackdown Continues
ICE officials confirmed that Mooney was detained because she lacked the legal right to enter the United States. Her arrest comes amid a wider crackdown on individuals violating US immigration laws. In recent months, several other tourists, including a German tattooist and a British comic artist, have also been detained under the same rules.
This crackdown was reinforced by President Donald Trump’s “Securing Our Borders” executive order, which was signed hours after his inauguration on January 21.
Family Fights for Mooney’s Release
Mooney’s mother, Alexis Eagles, has been working with lawyers to secure her daughter’s release. She has also urged the Canadian government to intervene.
“I’m desperate to have her home where she is safe, loved, and surrounded by friends and family to help her heal from this senseless trauma,” Eagles said.
On Thursday night, she shared an update expressing hope for Mooney’s release. “Potential good news. We are cautiously optimistic that Jasmine will be home within the next couple of days. A flight has been purchased, and we are waiting for ICE to approve it.”
Eagles noted that ICE often approves flights just hours before departure, leaving Mooney’s return to Canada uncertain.
Will Mooney Be Banned From the US?
Legal experts say Mooney’s case could have long-term consequences. Entering the US illegally is both a crime and a civil offense. First-time violators can face up to six months in jail and fines of up to $250. Additionally, individuals caught entering illegally can be banned from the US for three years, ten years, or even permanently, depending on their circumstances.
It remains unclear whether Mooney will ever be allowed back into the US. For now, she remains in ICE custody, awaiting confirmation of her deportation flight.
