A British woman detained in the United States for three weeks due to a visa misunderstanding has been released from immigration detention. Her family remains hopeful that she is on her way back to the UK.
Rebecca Burke’s Visa Mix-Up Leads to Detention
Rebecca Burke, a 28-year-old graphic artist from Monmouthshire, was attempting to cross from Washington state into Canada when Canadian authorities denied her entry. They instructed her to return to the US and complete new paperwork before reattempting entry. However, when she tried to re-enter the United States, she was detained by US immigration officials.
Burke was handcuffed, placed in a holding cell, and later transferred to the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center, a facility run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Family Criticizes ‘Horrendous Conditions’ in Detention
Her father, Paul Burke, previously stated that his daughter had been held in “horrendous conditions” and lacked access to legal representation. Speaking on Tuesday, he confirmed that she had left the detention center but expressed uncertainty about her current whereabouts.
“We’re hoping she is [coming home], but we can’t be sure,” he said. “The only thing we know is she left the detention center yesterday afternoon. ICE took her phone away, so we have no direct contact.”
Visa Confusion Over Work Exchange Program
Burke had been staying with a host family in Portland, Oregon, where she performed domestic chores in exchange for accommodation. She was reportedly unaware that this arrangement required a working visa rather than a tourist visa.
Authorities detained her when they determined she had violated US immigration laws. Before her time in Oregon, she had also spent time sightseeing in New York City after arriving in the US earlier this year.
Support for Legal Fees and Return Home
To cover legal expenses, living costs, and a return flight home, Burke’s family launched an online fundraising campaign, raising nearly £10,000. They have pledged to donate any excess funds to charities in Seattle that support individuals facing similar immigration issues.
