A Canadian citizen who allegedly overstayed her visa has been taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody following an incident on a New Jersey boardwalk where she is accused of slapping a teenage girl wearing clothing that displayed the words "Trump" and "ICE."
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released video footage of the encounter, identifying the woman as Kaitlyn Tracey and referring to her as a "Maple Leaf Menace." According to DHS, Tracey entered the United States on April 14, 2024, on a visa that expired on September 6, 2024, and remained in the country unlawfully.
The probable cause affidavit states that the victim told police she and three friends were walking on the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk when Tracey began to verbally confront them about their attire. Two of the victim's friends were reportedly wearing clothing with "Trump" and "ICE" printed on it. The affidavit alleges that Tracey then approached the victim and struck her twice.
Tracey reportedly refused to identify herself to officers who attempted to stop her and continued walking down the boardwalk. Investigators later identified her using social media and passport information from her entry into the U.S. from Canada.
Point Pleasant Beach Police facilitated a transfer of Tracey into ICE custody, where she will remain pending removal proceedings. DHS noted that a significant portion of ICE arrests are individuals who have been charged with or convicted of a crime.
Matthew Geroni, who identified himself as Tracey's husband, disputed the allegations in an interview with NJ.com, stating the incident was exaggerated and that his wife has no prior criminal record. He also claimed a GoFundMe campaign he started to cover Tracey's legal and immigration costs was removed for violating platform policies, stating it prohibited fundraisers for the legal defense of violent crimes.
Kaitlyn Tracey is scheduled to appear in Ocean County Superior Court on August 4. Her attorney declined to comment when reached.