A British Columbia mother is warning others about the challenges of navigating the U.S. Immigration system after she and her seven-year-old daughter were detained by U.S. Authorities in Texas.
Tania Warner, originally from Penticton, B.C., has been in custody for two weeks after she and her daughter, Ayla Lucas, were stopped at a U.S. Border checkpoint on March 14 while returning home to Kingsville, Texas.
Growing Concerns
The pair were on their way home from a baby shower in Raymondville and were required to stop at a border patrol checkpoint in Sarita, Texas. Warner says the experience quickly became “the worst day of our lives.” They were initially held at the Central Processing Center, known as “Ursula,” for five days before being moved to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Dilley, Texas.
Warner described the Ursula facility in McAllen as “absolutely terrifying,” with “horrible prison conditions” and a “sensory deprivation chamber” lacking windows or natural light. She stated her seven-year-old daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, struggled with the environment and later developed a rash, which Warner believes was caused by cleaning chemicals at the facility.
Warner says she repeatedly sought medical help for her daughter, but felt her concerns were dismissed until she expressed extreme distress about Ayla’s safety. The Dilley processing centre is considered more family-friendly, though Warner notes the days are still quite structured.
Legal Status and Advocacy
Warner has been living in the U.S. For approximately five years, initially arriving on a visitor visa to be with her husband, Edward Warner. They married three years ago, and Tania later obtained a work visa. She had applied for permanent residency and had received acknowledgement of her application, including a prima facie, allowing her to remain in the U.S. While it is processed.
Independent MLA for Penticton-Summerland, Amelia Boultbee, has expressed concern over Warner’s detention and is advocating for their release, noting Warner’s long family ties to Penticton. Democratic Texas Congressman Vicente Gonzalez has also stated Warner has a valid work permit and should not be detained, calling for their immediate release.
Warner has a bond hearing scheduled and anticipates it could be set at up to $10,000. She says voluntary deportation is an option, but she is anxious about the process and the prospect of rebuilding their lives in Canada. She has warned others considering immigration to the U.S. To reconsider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Tania Warner and her daughter been detained?
Tania Warner and her daughter, Ayla Lucas, have been in custody for two weeks as of March 30, 2026.
Where are Tania Warner and her daughter currently being held?
They were initially held at the Central Processing Center, known as “Ursula,” in McAllen, Texas, and have since been moved to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Dilley, Texas.
What is Tania Warner’s legal status in the United States?
Tania Warner has a valid work visa and had applied for permanent residency, receiving a prima facie allowing her to remain in the U.S. While her application is processed.
What are the implications of this case for others navigating the U.S. Immigration system?