A newly released video shows a Canadian woman allegedly slapping a teenage girl on a New Jersey boardwalk after confronting a group of friends wearing clothing displaying the words "Trump" and "ICE."
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the woman, Kaitlyn Tracey, is now in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody pending removal proceedings.
The video appears to show Tracey approaching the teenage victim, striking her, and walking away without stopping.
A department spokesperson stated Tracey entered the United States on April 14, 2024, on a visa that expired September 6, 2024, and remained after its expiration.
"She overstayed her visa and failed to depart," the spokesperson said, noting Tracey's case aligns with a significant share of ICE arrests involving those charged or convicted of crimes.
The Point Pleasant Beach Police Department facilitated a controlled transfer into ICE custody following her arrest.
A man identifying as Tracey's husband disputed the allegations, arguing the incident was exaggerated after gaining widespread online attention.
He said his wife had no prior trouble and described the confrontation as minor before it was amplified by conservative users online.
A probable cause affidavit states the alleged victim and three friends were walking the boardwalk when Tracey berated them over their clothing.
Two friends wore patriotic sweatpants displaying "Trump" and "ICE," and investigators allege Tracey struck the victim once in the face and once in the body.
Officers attempted to stop Tracey, but she refused to identify herself and continued down the boardwalk.
Investigators later identified her through social media and passport records from her 2024 entry from Canada.
Following the arrest, her husband posted emotional videos seeking an immigration attorney and pleading for assistance.
He also created a fundraising campaign for legal defense that was removed from the platform.
A platform spokesperson said the fundraiser violated policies prohibiting campaigns for legal defense in violent crime cases, and it was fully refunded.
The husband claimed the removal followed a coordinated reporting effort by political supporters, a claim the platform disputed.
The case drew reaction from lawmakers after the video's release, with one congressman commenting on the deportation proceedings.
Tracey's attorney declined to comment. Court records show she is scheduled to appear in Ocean County Superior Court on August 4.
