Detained B.C. Mother Describes Texas facility conditions

A mother from British Columbia has spoken out about what she describes as “terrifying” conditions inside a U.S. immigration detention facility in Texas, where she is being held with her seven-year-old daughter despite having ongoing immigration paperwork.

Tania Warner, originally from Penticton, said she and her daughter were detained after being stopped at a routine immigration checkpoint while returning home to Kingsville, Texas, on March 14. According to Warner, what began as a normal journey quickly turned into what she called “the worst day of our lives.”

The two were first taken to a large holding facility in McAllen, commonly known as the Central Processing Center or “Ursula.” Warner described the conditions there as extremely distressing, saying the facility had no windows or natural light, making it difficult to tell day from night. She said the environment felt like a “sensory deprivation chamber” and was especially difficult for her daughter, who is on the autism spectrum.

Warner also raised concerns about her daughter’s health during their detention, claiming she developed a rash that she believes may have been caused by exposure to cleaning chemicals. She said repeated requests for medical assistance were initially ignored until her concerns escalated. After several days, they were transferred to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, which she described as more structured but still restrictive.

According to Warner, she has been living in the United States for about five years and had already applied for permanent residency. She says she received official documentation allowing her to remain in the country while her application is being processed. Despite this, she claims she was “unlawfully detained,” adding that she never expected to face such treatment.

The case has raised concerns both in Canada and the United States. Local representatives from her home region have called for her release, while U.S. officials have yet to publicly respond to the situation. Warner is currently awaiting a bond hearing, where she may be required to pay a significant amount for release.

As she remains in detention, Warner says the experience has deeply affected her and her daughter. She is now warning others about the risks and uncertainties of navigating the U.S. immigration system, even for those who believe they are following the legal process.