Canadian Woman Faces Deportation After Alleged Assault on New Jersey Boardwalk

A video released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shows a Canadian woman allegedly slapping a teenage girl on a New Jersey boardwalk. The incident involved the teenager wearing clothing with the words “Trump” and “ICE.” The woman, Kaitlyn Tracey, is now in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody awaiting removal proceedings.

The video, shared on social media by DHS, shows Tracey approaching the group of teenagers and allegedly striking one of them before walking away. The Department of Homeland Security criticized Tracey, labeling her as an “illegal alien” who overstayed her visa.

According to a DHS spokesperson, Tracey entered the U.S. on a visa that expired on September 6, 2024. She overstayed her visa, leading to her current detainment.

“This illegal alien who assaulted a teenager has no business being in our country,” DHS stated.

Following her arrest, the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department coordinated the transfer of Tracey into ICE custody. She was charged with assault and child endangerment.

Matthew Geroni, Tracey’s husband, disputed the allegations. He characterized the incident as exaggerated due to online attention. In an interview with NJ.com, Geroni argued that his wife had never been in trouble before and that the current situation was overblown.

A probable cause affidavit revealed that the teenager and her friends were confronted by Tracey on the boardwalk for their clothing. The victim reported that Tracey struck her in the face and body during the encounter. Officers identified Tracey via social media and her passport records.

Geroni used social media to plead for help, stating his need for legal assistance. He attempted to start a GoFundMe campaign for Tracey’s legal expenses. However, GoFundMe removed it, citing a violation of policy regarding legal defenses for violent crimes.

In a reaction on Capitol Hill, Representative Riley Moore commented on Tracey’s impending deportation. “Oh, Canada. She’s headed back your way,” Moore tweeted.

Tracey’s attorney, Francis R. Hodgson, declined to comment further on the case. Tracey is scheduled for a court appearance in Ocean County Superior Court on August 4.