Family of Canadian woman detained by ICE says it’s a ‘nightmare’

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Paula Callejas, who had planned to expand her swimsuit business in Florida, was transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention instead of celebrating her brand’s success after spending time in Canada caring for her ailing father, who later died.

The 45-year-old Canadian woman’s family says they are facing severe financial hardship as they navigate the complex legal and immigration issues in the United States.

“She was very strong, very strong,” says her mother, Maria Stella Cano. “But now she cries every day and says she can’t take it anymore.”

President Donald Trump has taken a tougher line on illegal immigration since returning to the White House in January.

The Trump administration’s actions have included controversial measures such as targeting protesting students and transferring people to a notorious prison in El Salvador. ICE raids on restaurants and farms have increased, sparking protests and clashes.

While Trump’s team has said their primary target is criminals, they have insisted that anyone in the U.S. illegally will be deported.

Born in Montreal to Colombian immigrants, Paula Callejas launched her swimwear brand in Canada in 2012. But she stopped working to care for her father after his health deteriorated.

After her father passed away in 2020, she relaunched her brand and held several shows in Florida over the years. Her family says she was even invited to Miami Swim Week last year.

She bought a property in Florida and, according to her mother, lived a simple life while working to develop her brand.

Her family believes she entered the United States on a nonimmigrant visa for highly skilled workers that was set to expire in March. She applied for an extension in February, but her application was denied because of “ink color” on the form.

She reapplyed, thinking the issue was resolved, according to her family. But on March 28, she was arrested on charges of “assault” after a fight with her ex-boyfriend. Her family says Callejas is innocent and was only defending herself.

After being released on bail, she was taken into custody by ICE.

An ICE spokesperson said Callejas entered the United States on a nonimmigrant visitor visa and violated the terms of her stay. So she will remain in custody until her immigration case is resolved.

Cano, Paula’s mother, says her daughter’s detention is a nightmare for the family. “Every time I open my eyes, it’s like I’m not in the real world.”

She has been transferred to three different facilities, her family says, and the high costs of immigration lawyers have left them in dire financial straits, with one lawyer charging $5,000 just to file documents.

As her detention has dragged on, her family says Paula’s mental health has also deteriorated.

Cano insists her daughter should have a fair chance to defend herself in court. Her next criminal hearing is scheduled for Monday.

Her mother says they want her to leave the United States voluntarily after the criminal case is over so she can continue her visa process in Canada and pursue her dream of starting her own Mayo brand.

Canada’s global affairs ministry said it could not provide information on individual cases due to privacy concerns.

The ministry said on June 27 that it was aware of about 55 Canadians being detained by ICE. That number has remained steady in recent months, but could change as new cases are closed or opened.

Meanwhile, Johnny Novillo, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen, died in ICE custody in Florida in June.

Authorities said Novillo had been in custody awaiting deportation. He entered the United States on a legal visa in 1988 and became a permanent resident in 1991. In 2023, he was convicted of drug trafficking and other crimes and served a year in prison.

After serving his sentence, he was arrested by ICE agents at his parole office and was being considered for deportation because of his drug conviction.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Ann said on social media at the time: “Canadian consular officials are urgently seeking further information from U.S. authorities.”

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