DHS releases wild new video of illegal immigrant slapping NJ teen over ‘Trump’ and ‘ICE’ clothing

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NEW JERSEY: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a surveillance video on Thursday, July 16, showing the moment Canadian national Kaitlyn Tracey allegedly slapped a teenage girl after confronting a group of friends wearing clothing displaying the words "Trump" and "ICE" on a New Jersey boardwalk on July 3.

The footage was shared on X (formerly Twitter) as the agency confirmed that Tracey, who allegedly overstayed her visa after entering the United States in April 2024, is now in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody pending removal proceedings.

DHS releases video of alleged assault on New Jersey boardwalk

The newly released video appears to show Tracey approaching a teenage girl before striking her and then walking away from the scene.

While sharing the footage, DHS referred to Tracey as a "Maple Leaf Menace" and defended her detention.

"This illegal alien who assaulted a teenager has no business being in our country," the agency wrote. 

A DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Tracey entered the US on April 14, 2024, on a visa that expired on September 6, 2024.

"She overstayed her visa and failed to depart," the spokesperson said.

According to DHS, she was later transferred into ICE custody and remains detained pending immigration proceedings. Tracey was charged with simple assault, neglect of a child, compounding crime, and harassing communication. 

Investigators say dispute started over 'Trump' and 'ICE' apparel

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, the alleged victim told police she and three friends were walking along the boardwalk when Tracey began verbally confronting them.

Investigators said two members of the group were wearing patriotic sweatpants featuring the words "Trump" and "ICE."

The affidavit alleges that Tracey then approached the victim and struck her once in the face and once in the body.

Police reportedly attempted to stop Tracey after the incident, but she refused to identify herself and continued walking down the boardwalk.

Authorities later identified her through social media and passport information connected to her entry into the US from Canada.

Kaitlyn Tracey's husband pushes back as fundraiser is removed

Tracey's husband, Matthew Geroni, disputed the attention surrounding the case and argued that the incident had been exaggerated online.

"This whole situation has been blown out of proportion, and a person like Kate does not belong in any facility," Geroni told NJ.com.

"My wife has never been in trouble in her entire life. She's never had any kind of situation like this. This one little situation that was really a nothingburger when it happened has been blown so out of control by conservatives online that it has caused my wife to be put in a detention center," he added.

Geroni also posted videos seeking help to find an immigration attorney.

"I need help. I don't know what to do. I need an immigration lawyer. ... I need my wife," he said.

He further claimed that a GoFundMe campaign created to help cover Tracey's legal and immigration expenses was removed after mass reporting by supporters of President Donald Trump.

However, a GoFundMe spokesperson disputed that claim, saying the fundraiser violated the platform's policies prohibiting campaigns for the legal defense of violent crimes.

The video release also drew reaction from Rep Riley Moore (R-WV), who wrote on X, "Oh, Canada. She's headed back your way! Thank you, @SecMullinDHS!"