A British Columbia woman, identified as 24-year-old Emma Mooney, has been detained by U.S. immigration authorities since March 3, sparking outrage from her family over what they describe as "inhumane treatment" and a lack of transparency regarding her case. Mooney, who had been working in the United States, was detained at the San Ysidro U.S.-Mexico border crossing near San Diego, California, and later transferred to a detention facility in Arizona—reportedly in chains.
Her mother, Sarah Eagles, expressed frustration and concern over her daughter’s detention, emphasizing that while the family understands the U.S. government’s right to deny entry, they are deeply troubled by the conditions of her confinement and the lack of communication.
“We have no issue with her being denied entry, we have no issue with her initially being detained. But we have a huge issue with the inhumane treatment she is receiving and that she knows nothing, has not been charged, and has not been able to speak with us directly,” Eagles said in an interview.
The Detention: A Shocking Ordeal
Mooney’s ordeal began on March 3 when she attempted to cross the San Ysidro border, one of the busiest land border crossings in the world. According to her mother, Mooney had been working in the U.S. but was returning from a brief trip to Mexico when she was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
Eagles said she learned about her daughter’s detention through a family friend, as Mooney was unable to contact her directly. “It was a complete shock. We had no idea what was happening or why she was being held,” Eagles recounted.
After being detained at the border, Mooney was transferred to a detention facility in Arizona, a process that reportedly involved her being shackled and transported in chains. Her family was not informed of her whereabouts until days later, leaving them in a state of panic and uncertainty.
No Charges, No Explanation
Despite having no criminal record and facing no formal charges, Mooney remains in custody with no clear timeline for her release. Her family has been unable to obtain a clear explanation from U.S. authorities about the reasons for her detention or the legal basis for holding her indefinitely.
An immigration lawyer was finally able to reach Mooney late Thursday, nearly a week after her detention began. However, the lawyer has reportedly been unable to secure her release or provide the family with concrete answers.
“She has not been charged with anything. She has no criminal record. She’s not a threat to anyone. So why is she being treated like a criminal?” Eagles asked.
Concerns Over Inhumane Conditions
Mooney’s family has raised serious concerns about the conditions of her detention, describing them as inhumane and degrading. According to Eagles, her daughter has been held in a crowded facility with limited access to basic necessities, including proper food, water, and medical care.
“She’s being treated like an animal. She’s in chains, she’s in a cell with dozens of other people, and she has no idea when she’ll be released. This is not how human beings should be treated,” Eagles said.
The use of shackles and chains during Mooney’s transfer to Arizona has particularly alarmed her family and advocates, who argue that such measures are excessive and unnecessary for someone with no criminal history or pending charges.
A Growing Pattern of Border Detentions
Mooney’s case is not an isolated incident. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people detained at U.S. borders, including Canadian citizens. While U.S. authorities have broad discretion to deny entry to non-citizens, advocates argue that the treatment of detainees often falls short of international human rights standards.
According to data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the average length of detention for immigrants has increased in recent years, with many detainees held for months or even years without being charged with a crime. Critics argue that the system is overly punitive and lacks transparency, leaving families in the dark about the status of their loved ones.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Mooney’s family is calling for greater transparency and accountability from U.S. immigration authorities. They are urging the Canadian government to intervene on her behalf and ensure that she is treated fairly and humanely.
“We just want answers. We want to know why she’s being held, what the process is, and when she’ll be released. This is our daughter, and we deserve to know what’s happening to her,” Eagles said.
Canadian officials have reportedly been in contact with U.S. authorities regarding Mooney’s case, but so far, there has been no resolution. The family is now working with advocacy groups and legal experts to pressure the U.S. government to provide more information and expedite her release.
A Mother’s Plea
As the days turn into weeks, Eagles says the uncertainty is taking a toll on the family. “It’s been a nightmare. We’re worried sick about her. We just want her home,” she said.
Eagles is urging U.S. authorities to treat her daughter with dignity and respect, emphasizing that Mooney is not a criminal but a young woman who deserves to be treated humanely. “This is not about politics or borders. This is about basic human decency. No one should be treated this way,” she said.
Broader Implications
Mooney’s case highlights broader concerns about the treatment of detainees at U.S. borders and the lack of transparency in the immigration system. Advocates argue that the U.S. government must do more to ensure that detainees are treated fairly and that their rights are protected.
“This is a wake-up call for everyone. We need to hold the U.S. government accountable and demand better treatment for all detainees,” said one advocate familiar with Mooney’s case.
As the family continues to fight for Mooney’s release, they are hopeful that their story will shed light on the challenges faced by others in similar situations. “We just want Emma home,” Eagles said. “And we want to make sure no one else has to go through this.”
Conclusion
Emma Mooney’s detention at the U.S. border has sparked a wave of concern and outrage, with her family and advocates calling for greater transparency and humane treatment. As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those caught in the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.
For now, Mooney remains in custody, her future uncertain. Her family’s plea is simple: treat her with dignity, provide answers, and bring her home.
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*This story is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.*
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