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VANCOUVER — A Canadian mother and her seven-year-old daughter who spent three weeks detained at an immigration facility in Texas were released from detention on Thursday.
Amelia Boultbee, an independent MLA who represents the electoral district of Penticton-Summerland where the mother is originally from, took to social media to celebrate the news, saying that she was pleased to hear that Tania Warner and daughter Ayla were going to be released.
Boultbee said in an interview on Friday that she was able to “briefly touch base” with the Warner family, adding it’s gratifying to know that they are safe and at home.
“They’re gonna get to sleep in their own beds. Have a proper shower. I think that everybody’s just exhausted from the ordeal,” said Boultbee, adding that the family needs to rest up and enjoy their Easter long weekend.
Warner has to wear an ankle bracelet, even though she has been freed from ICE, said Boultbee.
“She’s being treated worse than criminals. There are people who go commit actual crimes and get bailed out the next day and don’t have ankle bracelets. But immigration matters are not crimes, and her paperwork is in order,” said Boultbee.
Boultbee said the next step is for Warner to have her deportation hearing, which is going to be another stressful process.
Boultbee, who had been in touch with Warner while she was in custody, also expressed her gratitude to everyone who donated money, sent support and spread awareness of this case.
Warner’s husband, Edward Warner, said on Tuesday that a judge had set the bond for his wife at US$9,500.
Tania Warner and Ayla were taken into custody on March 14 at a United States border patrol checkpoint in Texas after returning from a baby shower.
Warner, who is originally from Penticton, B.C., was going through the process to get a green card, which required her to spend thousands of dollars and undergo a criminal record check, but her husband said she kept her immigration paperwork up to date.
The mother and daughter were first held in a processing centre in McAllen, Texas, but were later transferred to an immigrant detention centre for families in the state.
Boultbee said the legal fees and the bond have wiped out the family’s GoFundMe fundraising efforts.
Boultbee said Warner’s bond hearing occurred “significantly faster” as a result of the public pressure and diplomatic efforts that took place.
“I’m proud to be Canadian and proud to live in a community where we stand up for each other,” said Boultbee, adding that the Warner family is grateful to everyone for their support.
Boultbee said hearing the news about the detentions by ICE left her shocked.
The Trump administration has implemented a large-scale ICE operation, aimed at conducting the largest deportation effort in U.S. history.
Boultbee said Canadians need to speak out against the way the Trump administration is stopping people, including children, at the border and detaining them for long periods in poor conditions.
“This isn’t the actions of a developed country, a democracy with the rule of law, like we would expect from our American friends and neighbours,” said Boultbee.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April. 3, 2026.
Nono Shen, The Canadian Press
