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Autistic Canadian girl and mother detained by ICE
Family demands immediate answers after ICE detains an autistic child.
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Friday 27th March 2026 |
A Canadian mother and her seven-year-old autistic daughter have been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Texas, sparking outrage and confusion from their family.
Tania Warner and her daughter Ayla Lucas were stopped at a border patrol checkpoint in Sarita while driving home from a family event.
Despite presenting valid identification, including a Texas driving licence and a functional work visa valid until 2030, both were taken into custody for fingerprinting and have not been released since Saturday.
They are reportedly being held at the Rio Grande Valley Central processing centre in McAllen.
Relatives are demanding answers, stating that the detention is unlawful and expressing deep concern for the wellbeing of the autistic child in such an environment.
The incident highlights growing tensions and aggressive enforcement tactics at border checkpoints, raising serious questions about the treatment of vulnerable people, particularly neurodivergent children, within the US immigration system.
Advocacy groups and civil rights lawyers are closely monitoring the situation as the family desperately seeks legal intervention to secure their immediate release and safe return to their family home.
Source: The Guardian (UK)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/20/
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