Premier Ranj Pillai's March 13th letter to Acting Director of ICE, Todd M. Lyons // Courtesy : Yukon Government
WHITEHORSE, YT – Following news that Jasmine Mooney, a Canadian woman with Yukon origins, had been detained by ICE agents at the US-Mexico Border Crossing in San Ysidro, and continues to be held at a detention facility in Arizona, the Yukon’s Premier Ranj Pillai, had personally written Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd M. Lyons, with an urgent request for her release.
Premier Pillai said in part “It is essential that Ms. Mooney be afforded due process, and that Canadian Officials be granted full access to assist her.’
Earlier, Yukon’s MP Brendan Hanley said he’d been in touch with Minister of Foreign Affairs about the case, and said he was doing everything he could to help Jasmine Mooney and her family. But, MP Hanley noted, he is bound by the Privacy Act so could not share specific details about the case.
Global Affairs Canada also confirmed they are aware of the case of a Canadian detained in Arizona, and confirmed that consular officials have been in contact with local authorities, gathering information and offering what consular assistance they can. But, also citing citing privacy reasons, no further details could be shared.
However, Global Affairs did confirm that “every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders” and that “The Government of Canada cannot intervene on behalf of Canadian citizens with regard to the entry and exit requirements of another country”.
