Imagine heading to a routine immigration appointment and ending up in handcuffs. That’s the painful reality for several Canadian citizens currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As of mid-2025, Global Affairs Canada reports that around 55 Canadians are in ICE custody. Behind these numbers lie real families caught in a tangle of bureaucracy, silence, and fear. From Mississauga to Montreal, relatives of the detained say they’re being stonewalled by U.S. officials. They’re often left in the dark about the health, safety, or even location of their loved ones.
This disturbing situation has sparked a rising debate over Canadians in ICE detention, the legal gray zone they face, and whether Canadian officials are doing enough to support them.
Arrested Without Warning: Two Canadian Stories
Cynthia Olivera, born in Mississauga, moved to the U.S. decades ago. She and her American husband, Frank Olvera, raised their family in Los Angeles. Two years ago, they began what they thought was a straightforward path to U.S. citizenship.
Instead, in June 2025, Olivera was arrested during a scheduled immigration interview. According to her husband, ICE officers took her away without explanation, over a decades-old border entry issue from 1999. She’s now in ICE custody in El Paso, Texas.
Paula Callejas, a Canadian from Montreal, is facing a similar nightmare. While finalizing a U.S. work visa, she was charged with a misdemeanor in Florida. Even after pleading not guilty, she was handed over to ICE. That was three months ago—her family hasn’t been told exactly where she is now. The last word was she might be in Arizona, though ICE told reporters she “seems” to be in El Paso.
Both women have been transferred multiple times, without clear communication or legal clarity. Their families report poor detention conditions, lack of medical care, and no access to timely legal counsel.
What’s Fueling These Arrests?
This increase in detentions follows recent moves by U.S. President Donald Trump to ramp up deportations under a controversial immigration crackdown. According to insiders, ICE now has a target of 3,000 arrests per day—up nearly fivefold from earlier in his term.
Facilities like the new “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida, shown off in a press tour by Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, signal a harsh shift in enforcement. Yet despite the rhetoric about targeting dangerous criminals, the evidence suggests that non-violent Canadians—some with legal status—are being swept up with little explanation.
The Legal Limbo Canadians Face Inside ICE Facilities
While ICE has confirmed that both Olivera and Callejas are detained, they’ve provided few details. Families say they’ve had to hire lawyers, chase paperwork, and wait endlessly for even basic information.
In one case, Olivera’s family said ICE refused to release her, even though she offered voluntary deportation to Canada. Her husband even offered to pay for an ICE officer’s flight back after escorting her home. “They lured us in, then locked the doors,” said Olvera. “It’s cruel. There’s no process. Just silence.”
The biggest concern? There’s no timeline. No roadmap. No clarity. Families say this amounts to emotional and financial devastation.
Conditions in Detention: Inhumane and Cramped
Relatives describe the facilities as overcrowded and unsanitary. Meals are unpredictable. Sleeping arrangements are tight. Access to healthcare is limited. One family member said the entire experience is “traumatizing.” “It’s not just the arrest—it’s the silence that follows. It’s like they disappear.”
In the case of Paula Callejas, she’s reportedly lost her dream of launching a swimsuit business in Florida. Her family says she just wants to come home and move on.
Time to Address Canadians in ICE Detention
The stories of Olivera, Callejas, and others reveal how Canadians in ICE detention are slipping through the cracks, caught in a system that offers little legal protection and even less compassion. With pressure mounting from families, lawyers, and advocacy groups, the Canadian government must prioritize transparency and urgent support for citizens held abroad. For now, these families are still waiting. For answers. For help. For someone to care.
Looking for updates on Canadian immigration policy, detention trends, and cross-border legal issues? Stay with ImmigCanada for real-time news and expert guidance.
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