The Trump administration, through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has given Kaitlyn Tracey, a Canadian national, the nickname "Maple Leaf Menace" as she faces deportation. The 33-year-old is accused of slapping a teenage girl who was wearing "MAGA clothes" during Fourth of July celebrations on a New Jersey boardwalk.
DHS shared footage of the incident on X, stating, "This illegal alien who assaulted a teenager has no business being in our country. She is now in (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) custody pending REMOVAL from our nation."
The alleged assault occurred on the Jersey Shore. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators led to an arrest warrant, and Tracey reportedly turned herself in days later. She is currently held at Delaney Hall, an immigration facility in New Jersey.
Tracey's husband, Matthew Geroni, told the Daily Mail that his wife has been subjected to "horrible" conditions during her detention. He claimed police were "lying" about the confrontation and that the teenager and her friends had provoked Tracey by wearing merchandise supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and had pushed and shoved her first.
Geroni also disputed claims that his wife attempted to flee the scene, stating she was allowed to leave before learning of the arrest warrant. He described the initial encounter as a "nothing burger," with investigators later issuing the warrant after reviewing surveillance footage he deemed "out of context."
Tracey faces charges including endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, harassment, and obstruction. She is expected to be deported to Canada.
Geroni, who has a history of posting critical content about Republicans on social media, suggested that former President Donald Trump's rhetoric emboldens such behavior. He also previously posted a video on TikTok containing threats against local government officials and their families.
Tracey's detention has been difficult, according to Geroni, who relayed that she described sleeping on a metal bench with the lights on for an extended period after her arrival. He also noted that she found it challenging to communicate with other detainees, who were primarily Spanish speakers, although he stated they were kind to her.
A GoFundMe fundraiser set up by Geroni to help Tracey secure an attorney was reportedly removed from the platform due to policies against raising money for individuals accused of crimes. Geroni expressed a willingness to move to Canada with his wife if necessary.