Family’s Concerns as Welsh Tourist Detained in U.S. Immigration Center
Becky Burke, a 28-year-old artist from Portskewett, Monmouthshire, has shared her distressing experience after being detained for 11 days in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Washington State. Her journey was meant to be a transformative backpacking trip across North America but turned into a nightmare due to a complicated visa issue.
Stranded at the Border
After successfully starting her adventure in the United States on January 7, Ms. Burke traveled from New York to Portland, Oregon, where she stayed with a host family while assisting with household chores. However, her plans fell apart when she attempted to cross into Canada from Seattle. Canadian authorities denied her entry, suspecting she intended to work illegally, prompting a long interrogation at the border.
“I was held for six hours while they tried to ascertain if my activities in the U.S. constituted work,” Burke recounted. She insisted she received no payment for her help but was still accused of violating her visa conditions.
Living Conditions in Detention
Ms. Burke described her living conditions as “horrendous,” detailing a cramped dormitory shared with 110 other detainees at the Tacoma facility. According to her, the environment mimicked a prison more than a shelter, with shared living spaces that felt chaotic and unwelcoming.
“We wake up at 6:30 AM, and there’s never enough time to sleep,” she lamented. “It’s freezing, and I have been wearing the same jumper for a week. The center often runs short on basic items like blankets and towels.” Many detainees at the facility, she noted, feel isolated from their families, with some separated for years.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration of Detention | 11 days |
| Number of Detainees | 110 individuals |
| Location | Tacoma, Washington |
A Father’s Plea
Becky’s father, Paul Burke, has been calling for awareness around visa requirements for travelers, emphasizing that misunderstandings over accommodation arrangements may have led to his daughter’s predicament. He stated that Becky engaged in what was intended as cultural exchange, helping host families in exchange for lodging.
Mr. Burke expressed his frustration over his daughter’s confinement, highlighting that she was wearing a prison jumpsuit while awaiting resolution. “It is unfathomable that my daughter is locked up for what can only be considered a misunderstanding,” he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.
Government Response and Future Outlook
Officials from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office confirmed they were assisting Burke and have kept in close contact with her family. As her situation unfolds, Paul Burke noted that they are struggling to get clear answers from the consulate regarding her release process.
Legal experts have suggested that Burke’s release could occur through a process called voluntary departure or expedited removal, both of which can be subject to significant delays. With the immigration landscape evolving under current U.S. policies, the uncertainty of her situation remains concerning.
Becky Burke expressed her awareness of the complex immigration environment and the importance of having proper documentation. Yet, she remains hopeful about returning to her home in the UK, wishing to conclude her journey on a positive note. “Everyone’s story is heartbreaking here; no one deserves to be in this situation,” she noted, as she continues to connect with fellow detainees while enduring her own frustration.
