A shocking turn of events has left a San Diego family reeling after their Canadian mother was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during what was supposed to be a routine green card interview. The case of Cynthia Olivera has become a stark reminder of the harsh realities of Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, particularly for families who voted for the former president.
Cynthia Olivera, a 45-year-old mother of three US-born children, was arrested on June 13, 2025, at her green card interview in Chatsworth, California. Her husband Francisco Olivera, a U.S. citizen and self-identified Trump voter, expressed his shock and regret, telling KGTV news station: “We feel totally blindsided. I want my vote back.”
The Detention of Canadian Mother Rocks Family
Cynthia Olivera has been detained by ICE for 20 days at an immigration detention center in El Paso, Texas. The Canadian-born woman, who moved to the United States as a child, attended her green card interview in good faith, only to be arrested mid-interview by ICE officers.
Cynthia came to the United States from Toronto when she was 10 years old and has spent more than 20 years living, working, and raising a family in Los Angeles. Her three children are all U.S. citizens, making this detention particularly devastating for the family.
The timing of this arrest is particularly significant as it occurs during the Trump administration’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement. According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, “On June 13, 2025, ICE arrested Cynthia Ivanna Olivera, an illegal alien from Canada, who was previously deported and chose to ignore our law and again entered the United States illegally.”
Key Points of the Canadian Mother Detained Case
- Date of Arrest: June 13, 2025
- Location: Chatsworth, California (during green card interview)
- Current Detention: El Paso, Texas ICE facility
- Family Status: Mother of three U.S.-born children
- Duration in U.S.: Over 20 years since arriving at age 10
- Husband’s Status: U.S. citizen and Trump voter
Immigration History Complicates Canadian Mother’s Case
In 1999, Olivera had travelled to Canada to attend her mother’s funeral and was initially denied re-entry because she was pregnant and told border agents she planned to have the child in the U.S. This previous immigration issue has now come back to haunt the family during what should have been a straightforward legalization process.
The detention has sparked conversations about the complexities of immigration law and how long-term residents can still face severe consequences for past immigration violations. Many families in similar situations are now questioning their support for strict immigration policies.
Family’s Regret Over Trump Vote
The most striking aspect of this case is the family’s public expression of regret over their political choice. Francisco Olivera’s statement about wanting his vote back highlights the disconnect between campaign promises and their real-world impact on families.
A petition has been created calling for the expedite deportation of Cynthia Olivera, though supporters argue she should be released to her family. The case has divided public opinion, with some viewing it as necessary law enforcement while others see it as family separation.
Community Response to Canadian Mother Detained
The detention has drawn attention from Canadian officials and advocacy groups. Officials in Canada have confirmed they are aware of Cynthia’s detention. The case has also sparked discussions about binational families and the challenges they face under strict immigration enforcement.
Local communities have rallied around the family, with many expressing shock that someone who has lived in the country for over two decades could be detained during a legal immigration process. The case illustrates the unpredictable nature of current immigration enforcement policies.
Legal Challenges Ahead
Immigration attorneys note that cases like Olivera’s are becoming increasingly common under the current administration’s zero-tolerance approach to immigration violations. Even individuals attempting to legalize their status through proper channels can face detention and deportation for past violations.
The family is now navigating the complex legal system while dealing with the emotional trauma of separation. Their story serves as a cautionary tale for other mixed-status families who may be considering coming forward to legalize their status.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the far-reaching consequences of immigration enforcement policies on American families. When citizens vote for strict immigration measures, they may not fully consider how these policies could impact their own loved ones or communities.
The detention of this Canadian mother has become a symbol of the human cost of immigration enforcement, particularly for families who supported the very policies that are now tearing them apart. It demonstrates how immigration issues are not abstract policy debates but real situations affecting real families.
Moving Forward
As the Olivera family continues to fight for Cynthia’s release, their case serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive immigration reform. The complexity of their situation – a family torn between their political beliefs and the harsh reality of immigration enforcement – reflects the broader challenges facing American society.
The family’s public regret over their vote has resonated with many Americans who are beginning to see the human face of immigration enforcement. Whether this case will lead to changes in policy or simply serve as a cautionary tale remains to be seen.