This is shocking. Even by the standards of 2025. - ThreadSky

mrjamesob.bsky.social • 3 days ago

This is shocking. Even by the standards of 2025.

Becky Burke of Book Island (a picture book publisher in the UK founded by my fellow Tokarczuk translator Greet Pauwelijn) was "detained" by ICE at the Canadian border on 2/28. Her father asked that her story be shared in case someone can help her. He writes:

Comments

deb1987.bsky.social•3 days ago

Freaking unbelievable. When I travel I often have free accommodation through Trusted Housesitters: I take care of homes and pets in exchange, it’s a sweet deal ‘cause I can then explore the area.
I don’t plan to go to the US in the foreseeable future, but would this happen to me too? 🤦🏻‍♀️

alwaysl88774453.bsky.social•2 days ago

Ayatollah tRump's regime just following orders, it seems?

yassywoowoo.bsky.social•3 days ago

Yep

jgeeker.bsky.social•3 days ago

all my tweets gonna come back to haunt me. Luckily, I have no plans to visit 'merica while the Nazi's are in charge

clemmoraschi.bsky.social•3 days ago

Formal travel warnings to the United States must surely be in order now.

coralgarden.bsky.social•2 days ago

Any thoughts on what's what's happened to Mahmoud Khalil?

hoojo.bsky.social•3 days ago

Detained like prisoners of war

canadiancougar.bsky.social•3 days ago

Lemme get this straight. Americsn I.CE agents on Canadian soil?
tRump know no boundaries of diplomacy or kindness. Anyone that has enraged him is fodder for the cannon.
Wtf did a young woman do to endure his wrath? Write a children’s book. 🤦🏼‍♀️

redwalker.bsky.social•3 days ago

Shocking that people can be dragged off in cuffs and detained, or shocking only that it should happen to this person?

aidenilkhani.bsky.social•3 days ago

Horrible.

And if they are doing this to her, someone of a status of privilege, consider for a moment the many unprivileged whose stories go unnoticed.

monika-uk.bsky.social•3 days ago

My thought exactly.

elliemac52.bsky.social•3 days ago

Full details on her fathers Facebook page

teresadp.bsky.social•3 days ago

Can you provide a link? Thanks.

frenchie.bsky.social•3 days ago

There is also 2 Germans held.
Absolutely insane!

tonyprinciotti.bsky.social•3 days ago

For me, the scariest aspect of our situation in America is the demoralization of the opposition. We're seeing that when reason and incontrovertible evidence can no longer restrain the most nakedly absurd corruption and abuse, people inclined to push back lose hope. As authoritarians wish.

jalomo.bsky.social•3 days ago

Sadly yes, exactly what happened in Nazi Germany.

withdrive.bsky.social•3 days ago

You could copy and paste that into the comments on a lot of contemporary articles about the USA.

jalomo.bsky.social•3 days ago

Very true, & so many can see it happening right before their eyes but seem powerless to stop it.
People power is the only way. Daily marches, demos, refusals to accept orders from the mad men at the top. The population as a whole must say no. It's the only way.
Where is the official opposition?

steenol.bsky.social•3 days ago

Sounds Russian to me..

trishtoo.bsky.social•3 days ago

What a nightmare. Shared and following.

laineyg.bsky.social•3 days ago

Was reading on the other site, of a couple of German citizens too in this position. Detained by ICE

dixonpuetafem.bsky.social•3 days ago

Everyday experience for black/brown and especially Latinx immigrants and asylum seekers in the US at present. Glad this women’s case flags up that reality. Now imagine it if you’re not a white Brit.

whoisbobbparris.bsky.social•3 days ago

@davidleopold.bsky.social

ianrobo.bsky.social•3 days ago

simple really James we have to advise non travel to the US now, she is white for example and not brown or black ... I would be fascinated to see books, ps. I canceled my trip to the US/chicago and cost me 400 when he won ...

buffy-slayer.bsky.social•3 days ago

She's a woman. As are the other 2 illegally detained tourists. The misogyny is just as powerful as the racism in the US fascist regime

ianrobo.bsky.social•3 days ago

indeed it is and I think unless you are aligned with the far right you are not safe

jen191.bsky.social•3 days ago

Hmmm. Would your advice be different if she was brown or black or do you only care because she’s white?

ianrobo.bsky.social•3 days ago

it would be the same for anyone as per the guy kidnapped with the green card who is not white and with a pregnant US wife

ms-cass.bsky.social•3 days ago

Time for the USA to join other ' red flag' high risk destinations.. Tourists be advised risk of unlawful detention without charge or trial. USA travel should be discouraged.

shihabsjoi.bsky.social•3 days ago

As a brown immigrant brit born in Bangladesh with a Muslim name who regularly travels the world, you couldn't pay me to go to USA right now...

amandavetnurse.bsky.social•3 days ago

Don’t blame you! Stay away to stay safe!

tenchiohki.bsky.social•3 days ago

I'm Scottish and more pale than a milk bottle and you couldn't pay me to go there either.

jackiecarroll.bsky.social•3 days ago

Not at all surprised. Dangerous times.

newtongrunnion.bsky.social•3 days ago

Don't blame you, mate!

melhistorygeek.bsky.social•3 days ago

quite right fascist dictatorships are not safe.

ralitza.bsky.social•3 days ago

It's strange that Canada have turned her back.

avfc.ca•3 days ago

Only reason I can think of is that they decided she intended to work while there, which requires a specific visa and work permit. No reason to refuse her as a temporary visitor that I can think of - certainly not one that would be down to “visa issues”, as she doesn’t need one just to visit

ralitza.bsky.social•3 days ago

In this case she might be having a problem later if she wanted to work, but there will be no reason to stop her at the border. No mainstream reason, at least.

avfc.ca•3 days ago

You'll be refused at the border if the border agent thinks you're planning on working while there, and you don't have the correct paperwork to allow for it. That's standard, and has basically always been that way.

ralitza.bsky.social•3 days ago

So, they can stop you on the basis of a suspicion even though you are not required a visa in order to get in? This is not the case in Europe.

avfc.ca•3 days ago

Yes. If they suspect you will work without a working visa, you won't get in. They do things like check your emails, see what you've got with you, ask questions etc. If they find anything that suggests you'll be working, no entry.

microsofty.bsky.social•3 days ago

She didn't have the right visa.
https://www.facebook.com/paulrburke/posts/pfbid021XmvsRkwNSm88bhBred3m9tRaNmN5E4BUkBAoxtmSpaePk99bMgte1bqhkZNNrEel

onebiskuit.bsky.social•3 days ago

She
Does
Not
Need
A
Visa.
This is confirmed by a simple search of the Canada Border Services Agency website.

ralitza.bsky.social•3 days ago

In this case, one has to wonder why she was sent back. Because I can understand the authomatic outrage at the US, but then there's also Canada in the story.

microsofty.bsky.social•3 days ago

Her own father says she had an "incorrect visa"
https://www.facebook.com/paulrburke/posts/pfbid021XmvsRkwNSm88bhBred3m9tRaNmN5E4BUkBAoxtmSpaePk99bMgte1bqhkZNNrEel

microsofty.bsky.social•3 days ago

Then
Why
Did
Canada
Refuse
Her
Entry

ralitza.bsky.social•3 days ago

Indeed, this is what I was asking. But everybody seems too busy being outraged.

onebiskuit.bsky.social•3 days ago

It’s not the entry refusal people are outraged at, it’s the incarceration for a fortnight - so far - in an immigration prison.
Look - we can all see the way it’s going there. It’s like Germany 1933 redux.

microsofty.bsky.social•3 days ago

Exactly. Don't let the pesky facts get in the way of some fury!

debbielough.bsky.social•3 days ago

The USA is simply not a safe country any more.

For us or Americans.

annastea-p.bsky.social•3 days ago

Most countries, if you have a visa issue put you on the first flight home. If this was a one off I would be thinking she's done something. But there are three women, that we know of being held at US borders for no apparent reason.

buchanan101.bsky.social•3 days ago

What’s the story as she was refused entry in to Canada for an incorrect visa… no such thing is needed for Brits entering Canada by land (just a passport). Not even a visa waiver (ETA) - only needed by air

No reason given for Canada’s refusal in the first instance.

207michael.bsky.social•3 days ago

If the story is accurate it is an extremely serious failure. But sadly not unexpected for how things are

johanrob77.bsky.social•3 days ago

Yeah think we'll be taking the next family holiday in Canada and not the US.

onebiskuit.bsky.social•3 days ago

As a British citizen seeking to enter Canada as a tourist she would not need any visa. She would need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, which is almost automatic, just pay C$7. Unless the ETA for a land crossing/from USA is different from the ETA for air arrival/rest of world is different.

agf1956.bsky.social•3 days ago

eTA is not required for entry to Canada by land.

onebiskuit.bsky.social•3 days ago

Neither is a visa, if a UK citizen travelling as a tourist.

agf1956.bsky.social•2 days ago

More info on the BBC website, it seems she was accused of working on a tourist Visa because she was doing "chores" in exchange for board and lodgings. Even though money didn't change hands, in USA and Canada this is still classed as working.

onebiskuit.bsky.social•2 days ago

I think they may have re-interpreted the rules. “WOOFFing” was common some years ago - my daughter did it in BC - & the whole point was some help around the farm in exchange for a bed but no cash was allowed without a work visa almost everywhere. That was before Covid though, things may have changed

montyboo1.bsky.social•3 days ago

And yet when a us citizen breaks the law in any country in the world they demand there return even when it's a serious crime. And they won't even return a US citizen to a country in which they've committed serious crimes .

montyboo1.bsky.social•3 days ago

Strangely I'm not shocked,under the convicted felon nothing shocks me anymore. He's running a corrupt and racist regime now.

myshka689908.bsky.social•3 days ago

It's at the stage now where I just will not set foot in the place for any reason. It's an absolute horror show.

countzerorepeat.bsky.social•3 days ago

Stop calling it America. It's Trumpland now.

roland-s.bsky.social•2 days ago

Trumpistan.

countzerorepeat.bsky.social•2 days ago

Nice

samkara.bsky.social•3 days ago

Boycott all American products simple

nohostages.bsky.social•3 days ago

matildapeace.bsky.social•3 days ago

I wouldn’t go there. Flying’s not safe and neither are our human rights!

doseydaisy.bsky.social•3 days ago

Can you highlight this? Not seen it on any news outlets.

dogtorapproximate.bsky.social•3 days ago

Yes - please cover this today . Not only for the woman involved but to highlight the situation for the many here still not getting it . Ferrari should cover this for his am drivetime crowd who need to hear this

doobledong.bsky.social•3 days ago

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/09/watchlist-decline-civic-freedoms-civicus

kickingkarma.bsky.social•3 days ago

wtf is actually going on!!! UK govt should grow a pair and ask the beloved BFFs this Q

pammaultypam.bsky.social•3 days ago

Do they seriously think she would want to stay in the US?

bicerin.bsky.social•3 days ago

Folks should vote with their feet and give Murica a wide berth. I’ve wanted to go back to Arizona and spend more time in the “4 Corners” and California, but that’s off the agenda. If I’m headed out that way in future, it’ll be to Canada. Japan instead this year!

semaleena.bsky.social•3 days ago

Yes I fell in love with Sedona but will not be going back

badfur64.bsky.social•3 days ago

They have two German citizens in their ICE gulag right now.
Probably gathering hostages from all the countries they are betraying.

antiquequaalude.bsky.social•3 days ago

They've apparently done it to two Germans as well. It makes me sick to be in this country and this shit is being done in my name.

Republicans hold all of the government and they're just allowing Trump to do literally whatever he wants.

I am convinced Trump is TRYING TO destroy this country.

michaelveekay.bsky.social•3 days ago

It takes a special kind of scumbag to volunteer for ICE

finl3y.bsky.social•3 days ago

I’m sure Mandelson will be on the blower immediately to sort this out 🤔

roland-s.bsky.social•2 days ago

Dream on.

idasmum.bsky.social•3 days ago

Time for the UK Foreign Office to issue a travel advisory. Risk of kidnap at the border if travelling to the USA.

kspink.bsky.social•3 days ago

There is something on the government website

deekaybee.bsky.social•3 days ago

I don't think there is, I've just checked.

kspink.bsky.social•3 days ago

There are certain aspects that indicate more concern but it’s definitely not a place I want to go anymore

deekaybee.bsky.social•3 days ago

But nothing on the UK government website. I have concerns, and am planning trips over there. But I am extremely cautious, keeping an unhealthily close eye on developments.

jayn-5.bsky.social•3 days ago

Me too, it’s ruining what should be something we are looking forward to 😖

kspink.bsky.social•3 days ago

I posted the government link after I saw the z guardian article on the warning about travel there just an fyi tbh 🇬🇧

kspink.bsky.social•3 days ago

I understand what you are saying and many won’t have a choice but being cautious is vital sadly in this situation isn’t it . It’s not an unhealthy close eye it’s common sense- stay safe

enigmaticbhoy.bsky.social•3 days ago

America is the new Russia

random-it-guy.bsky.social•3 days ago

We have a similar story with lady from Berlin at the Mexican border...she is sitting in deportation detention for weeks now, she has a valid tourist Visa.

Here is a google translated article:

https://www-n--tv-de.translate.goog/politik/Berlinerin-erlebt-Horrorfilm-in-US-Abschiebehaft-article25610374.html?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp

random-it-guy.bsky.social•3 days ago

And it appears to be there is another case...
Two is a coincidence, three is a trend.

https://bsky.app/profile/broadwaybabyto.bsky.social/post/3ljxwkte5sk2y

semaleena.bsky.social•3 days ago

USA trafficked an Iranian lady to the Panama jungle ffs 🤬

They don’t appear to have any human rights in USA

withdrive.bsky.social•3 days ago

The Foreign Office should issue a travel warning.

jayn-5.bsky.social•3 days ago

We booked a NYC trip for May. Regretting it now 😒

robot.foundation•3 days ago

A fascist state being fascist is to be expected. What’s shocking is that after decades of realpolitik piffle, we are still trying to appease the US with more realpolitik piffle. We Europeans are all complicit: we outsourced our security to the US, and never spoke up while they were going wrong.

teresadp.bsky.social•3 days ago

She was helping her host families in exchange for accomodation. That breaks the tourist VISA rules. It's considered work. Same problem with the German detainee. She explained she was going to LA to tattoo her friend. It was for free but that got her into trouble.

mbick.bsky.social•3 days ago

He writes what?

hedgerownibbler.bsky.social•3 days ago

Open the original post by Jenny. It’s there is the thread below on her post

pamelaangus.bsky.social•3 days ago

How much are they going to charge the relevant governments to get these tourists ( hostages?) released? Seems to be all about the money now ...

howsyourbird.bsky.social•3 days ago

We won’t be visiting again. My husband has (in the post 9/11 world) been held for hours in an immigration room because of the colour of his skin. Luckily he was allowed to enter the US and visit his conference.
Next time he might not be so lucky.

veruschkan.bsky.social•2 days ago

Did we actually think Trump was going to spend money deporting immigrants that have no power to resist the GOP regime? No. He is building prisons for future political prisoners.That's the Russian OPS of every Russian-led country, such as Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Hungary.
https://apnews.com/article/russia-crackdown-prison-opposition-putin-navalny-70485fee4b872c453334af37d1ea335a

serenas.bsky.social•3 days ago

Exactly as we discussed earlier @llamasayswhat.bsky.social
I have no updates on this, but it's not a good sign

agf1956.bsky.social•3 days ago

Not sure why there was a visa problem for entry into Canada as British nationals do not require a visa for entry into Canada for trips of less than 6 months and only need an eTA if entering by air.

ruders77.bsky.social•3 days ago

The Americans are insane.....

Avoid the general area, avoid their products, avoid the insanity

markhaddon.bsky.social•3 days ago

My thoughts exactly. Insanity.

kspink.bsky.social•3 days ago

Already on it !

louisagummer.bsky.social•3 days ago

That’s horrific. Poor girl.

cameronx.bsky.social•2 days ago

Except it's probably happening to other countries citizens every day but goes unreported in the exceptionalist British Media.

inigel.bsky.social•3 days ago

Yep 2025 has been pretty outrageous so far, but working illegally on a tourist visa is going to get you in trouble in any country. What would happen to someone arriving in UK with no way to support themselves other than doing household chores in return for accommodation?
https://bbc.com/news/articles/c80y3yx1jdyo

droneexplorationuk.bsky.social•3 days ago

https://bsky.app/profile/droneexplorationuk.bsky.social/post/3ljvaouj5js2g

kirky-12345.bsky.social•3 days ago

Many of us English have despised him ever since he became known in the UK. His hounding of a local landowner/farmer near one of his Scottish Golf courses made him infamous over here.

arconiat.bsky.social•3 days ago

I've hated the cunt since the 80s, I dunno why, I was only a teen, but he gave me Jimmy Saville vibes.

Neither of those two surprised me when news of their rapes/paedophilia came out.

sergeantpluck.bsky.social•3 days ago

Time to look at just how easy it is for US citizens to reside in the UK.

jcoblentz.bsky.social•3 days ago

To be fair, she does look terrifying 🙄

jennywren.bsky.social•3 days ago

This makes 3 tourists now being held in detention centres.
No longer a safe place to visit (not that any of us intend to atm).

zoehearn.bsky.social•3 days ago

I really hope people will give the states a wide berth..
Will you cover this James?

mikembp.bsky.social•3 days ago

This wouldn't surprise you if it was China, Iran, Afghanistan etc. But I suppose this is America under Trump!!

michaelwood8.bsky.social•3 days ago

I was 'detained' in China for entering a forbidden military area. It was no fun, but I was treated civilly by the cops, who made me tea and got takeaway food for me. I was released after 24 hours with a friendly warning to observe 'keep out' signs and a lift to the bus station.

agf1956.bsky.social•3 days ago

Same happened to me in Vietnam in 1992, arrested a gunpoint interviewed with help from the Lonely Planet phrase book detained in my hotel having had my camera and passport confiscated. Next day accused of photographing in a border zone and had to give up a roll of film and released with a handshake!

jonnymain.bsky.social•3 days ago

I've read it, but I still don't know what crime she is supposed to have committed.

peterelliott71.bsky.social•3 days ago

I don’t think you need to have committed a crime in the US to be arrested and detained. It’s definitely a ‘regime’ now

microsofty.bsky.social•3 days ago

She had an "incorrrect visa", according to her father

https://www.facebook.com/paulrburke/posts/pfbid021XmvsRkwNSm88bhBred3m9tRaNmN5E4BUkBAoxtmSpaePk99bMgte1bqhkZNNrEel

microsofty.bsky.social•3 days ago

Canada refused her entry.

bicerin.bsky.social•3 days ago

It’s possible the father may have been misinformed. Brits don’t need a visa to enter Canada. You do need an eTA if entering by AIR. Overland (eg from USA) you don’t. Certainly seems to be some confusion over why she was turned back by the Canadians - maybe ICE is lying?

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada/entry-requirements#:~:text=You%20do%20not%20need%20a,acceptable%20travel%20documents%20and%20ID

microsofty.bsky.social•3 days ago

Here's what her father says:
"On February 26th, Becky attempted to cross the Canadian border for the next leg of her journey. Unfortunately, due to an incorrect visa, she was denied entry into Canada. When she tried to return to the US, she was refused re-entry and classified as an "illegal alien."

melissapudding.bsky.social•3 days ago

Well that’s many no longer planning a visit to USA.
How absolutely appalling

atulharia.bsky.social•3 days ago

Message: don't travel to the US - it's not safe.

maffman.bsky.social•3 days ago

My Brother lives over there and I've been slowly trying to come to terms with the fact that there's a good chance I won't see him at all over the next 4 years.

kspink.bsky.social•3 days ago

Has anyone responded yet James ? Will you be covering this on your show today ? There are 2 German tourists as well apparently.

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