- Canadian citizen Kaitlyn E. Tracey ordered removed from U.S. after pleading guilty to assault.
- The assault occurred in New Jersey against a teenager wearing patriotic clothing on July third.
- Tracey remains in ICE custody in Texas awaiting physical transfer to Canada following her hearing.
Kaitlyn E. Tracey pleaded guilty to assaulting a teenage girl on a New Jersey boardwalk and received an order Tuesday to leave the United States for Canada.
The 33-year-old Canadian citizen entered the plea in a Texas immigration court on August 4, 2026, before Judge Guy P. Ryan. She appeared by telephone from the Laredo Processing Center, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement is holding her.
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The criminal case began with a July 3 confrontation involving a 16-year-old girl wearing patriotic clothing. Tracey approached four teenagers, recorded them and shouted about their attire before striking the girl, according to surveillance and cellphone footage.
The confrontation occurred on the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk in New Jersey. The girl wore a “USA 250” tank top and clothing displaying “Trump” and “ICE.”
The Department of Homeland Security gave Tracey the nickname “Maple Leaf Menace” in a public post about the case. The department said she remained in ICE custody while awaiting removal.
Her lawyer, Mr. Hodgson, told Judge Ryan that Tracey was a productive member of society who had “taken responsibility for her role.” He also said the judgment matched “other similar-type matters.”
The plea resolved the New Jersey criminal case, but not Tracey’s immigration custody
Tracey pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of simple assault in Ocean County, New Jersey. Prosecutors had also charged her with endangering the welfare of a child, harassment and obstruction of the administration of law.
She received one day in jail, credited as time served. The New Jersey case is now resolved.
Her immigration proceeding continued after the state criminal case. Judge Ryan issued the removal order while Tracey appeared from the Laredo facility, separating the criminal sentence from the federal custody decision.
DHS described her as a “criminal illegal alien” and said ICE was prioritizing immigrants who “have been charged with or convicted of crimes.” In its public statement, the department wrote:
“MAPLE LEAF MENACE. This illegal alien who assaulted a teenager has no business being in our country. She is now in @ICEgov custody pending REMOVAL from our nation.”
The deportation order followed the plea and the immigration judge’s review of the case. Tracey remains at the Laredo facility as of August 5, awaiting physical transfer to Canada.
| Proceeding | Result | Date or location |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey criminal case | Guilty plea, one day in jail credited as time served | Ocean County, New Jersey |
| Immigration proceeding | Removal order to Canada | August 4, 2026, Texas immigration court |
| Current custody | Held by ICE | Laredo Processing Center, Texas |
Video evidence and a cross-border investigation identified Tracey
Footage showed Tracey hitting the teenager twice, once in the body and once in the face with an open hand. She then fled the scene.
Detective Korey McCormack of the Point Pleasant Beach Police Detective Bureau identified Tracey with help from the Toronto Police Service’s 11th District and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Intelligence Team.
The incident unfolded when Tracey approached the group of four teenagers. She began recording them with her phone and shouting about clothing that included the “USA 250” tank top and sweatpants featuring “Trump” and “ICE.”
The girl was not publicly identified. She was 16 years old.
Tracey later became the subject of online political commentary. Donald Trump Jr. cited the incident as an example of “leftwing violence.”
Her husband, Matthew Geroni, 42, an American citizen, posted emotional TikTok videos seeking help and financial assistance while she was detained. He said:
“I need help. I don't know what to do; my wife is being detained by ICE.”
Geroni said the couple had been married for over three years. His public appeals did not address the assault.
Removal timing remains with federal immigration authorities
The immigration judge’s order authorizes Tracey’s removal, but the physical departure had not occurred by August 5. ICE continues to hold her in Texas while arrangements proceed.
The case combines a completed state criminal sentence with a separate federal immigration consequence. A guilty plea can resolve the criminal charge without ending immigration detention or removal proceedings.
Tracey’s Canadian citizenship makes Canada the destination named in the order. Her removal remains pending at the Laredo Processing Center.
The New Jersey investigation began with a holiday-weekend confrontation and involved local, federal and Canadian agencies. Tracey appeared before the immigration judge by telephone from Texas on August 4, 2026.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney about your specific case.
