Canadian Woman Detained by ICE After Alleged Altercation on New Jersey Boardwalk

A video released by the Department of Homeland Security captures the moment a Canadian woman, accused of overstaying her visa, allegedly slapped a teenage girl on a New Jersey boardwalk. The incident occurred after the woman confronted a group of teenagers wearing clothing with the words ‘Trump’ and ‘ICE’. The woman has been identified as Kaitlyn Tracey.

Tracey is referred to as a ‘Maple Leaf Menace’ by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a post shared on social media. DHS confirmed Tracey is currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody pending removal proceedings. ‘This illegal alien who assaulted a teenager has no business being in our country,’ the DHS wrote.

The video reportedly shows Tracey approaching and striking the teenager before walking away without hesitation. A spokesperson for DHS mentioned Tracey entered the U.S. on April 14, 2024, using a visa that expired on September 6, 2024. She stayed in the country beyond this expiration date.

Following her arrest, Tracey was transferred into ICE custody, facilitated by the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department, and is now awaiting immigration proceedings. According to DHS, Tracey’s arrest is part of the nearly 70% of ICE detentions that involve illegal immigrants charged with or convicted of a crime.

Matthew Geroni, who identified himself as Tracey’s husband on social media, disputes the claims against her. In an interview, Geroni described the situation as exaggerated due to online attention. ‘This whole situation has been blown out of proportion,’ said Geroni. He maintained Tracey has never been in legal trouble prior and stated that the incident was minimal when it occurred.

Investigators mentioned that the victim reported being verbally berated by Tracey due to the clothing’s patriotic imagery. The affidavit claims Tracey struck the victim’s face and body. Officers tried to stop Tracey, but she refused identification and continued walking.

Tracey was later identified via social media and passport information from her entry into the U.S. from Canada in 2024. Geroni shared videos online, seeking legal assistance for his wife and expressing distress over her situation.

An effort was made to raise funds for Tracey’s legal costs through GoFundMe, but was removed due to policy violations. A spokesperson mentioned the platform does not allow fundraising for the legal defense of violent crimes.

The surveillance video release by DHS prompted reactions, including from Rep. Riley Moore, who suggested Tracey’s return to Canada.

Attorney Francis R. Hodgson, representing Tracey, declined to comment on the case. Tracey is expected to appear in Ocean County Superior Court on August 4.

Stepheny Price contributed to this report, focusing on crime stories and border security.