WASHINGTON, D.C. — Paula Callejas was aiming to grow her swimwear business in Florida after taking a break to care for her sick father in Canada until his passing. Rather than focusing on her fashion collection, the Canadian woman was placed in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
The family of the 45-year-old mentioned that their financial resources are being strained while they attempt to deal with the complex and challenging legal and immigration processes in the United States.
She was extremely strong, incredibly strong," said her mother, Maria Estella Cano. "Now, every single day she (cries), every day and (says) she can't go on any longer.
U.S. President Donald Trump has increased deportation activities since returning to the White House in January, following his successful campaign pledge to implement strong measures regarding illegal immigration.
The immigration enforcement measures involve contentious actions such as focusing on students who engage in demonstrations, along with deporting individuals to a well-known prison in El Salvador. There has been a rise in operations conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, at eateries and agricultural sites, accompanied by intense confrontations with demonstrators.
Although Trump's team has stated they are focusing on criminals first, they also mentioned that anyone present in the country without proper documentation will be removed.
Carmen Callejas was born and grew up in Montreal following her family's move from Colombia. She launched her swimwear brand in Canada around 2012 and was beginning to see progress, but when her father fell ill, she put her aspirations on hold to assist with his care.
After her father passed away in 2020, Callejas resumed her work on establishing a swimsuit brand. Her family mentioned that she conducted several fashion shows in Florida over the years and recognized a genuine potential for her clothing line to grow within the state. She was even invited to participate in Miami Swim Week last year.
She acquired real estate in Florida, according to her mother, and led a simple life while striving to develop the brand.
The family stated they believed she was in the United States on a non-immigrant visa intended for individuals with unique skills, which was scheduled to expire in March. They mentioned she submitted an application for an extension in February, but it was rejected due to a technical issue related to the ink color used when signing the form.
The family stated that Callejas re-applied, believing the problem had been resolved.
On March 28, Callejas was taken into custody for battery following claims from her family that there was a conflict with her ex-boyfriend. According to the family, Callejas insists on her innocence and claims she was acting in self-defense.
Following the posting of bail, her family stated that Callejas was placed in ICE detention.
An ICE representative stated that Callejas entered the United States using a non-immigrant visitor visa and breached the conditions of her entry. ICE mentioned that she will "stay in detention until the immigration process is finalized."
Cano mentioned that her daughter's detention has been a "nightmare" for the family.
"Each time I open my eyes, it doesn't feel like real life," Cano said, trying to hold back her tears.
The family mentioned that Callejas has been moved to at least three separate institutions. Their financial resources are dwindling as they strive to secure legal assistance. They noted that it cost US$5,000 just for one attorney to file documents.
As Callejas remains in custody for a longer period, her psychological well-being is also deteriorating, according to her family.
Canos mentioned that she hopes her daughter will have a just opportunity to protect herself in court. Her upcoming court date for the criminal charge is on Monday.
Cano stated that once this is settled, they hope Callejas will depart the United States voluntarily so she can complete her visa application in Canada and pursue her aspirations of launching a swimwear line.
The Department of Foreign Affairs Canada stated that it was unable to share details on specific cases due to privacy issues.
On June 27, the department stated that it was informed about approximately 55 Canadians held by ICE. The department mentioned that the number of cases has stayed fairly consistent in recent months, although it varies as some cases are settled and others emerge.
Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian national, passed away while in the custody of ICE in South Florida in June.
Noviello was under detention awaiting deportation from the United States, according to authorities. He arrived in the U.S. in 1988 with a valid visa and obtained lawful permanent residency in 1991. In 2023, he was found guilty of drug-related offenses and other charges, resulting in a one-year prison sentence, as reported by officials.
ICE agents apprehended Noviello at his probation office last month and filed charges of deportability due to his drug-related conviction, according to officials.
International Relations Minister Anita Anand mentioned on social media at that time that "Canadian diplomatic representatives are urgently trying to obtain further details from American authorities."
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