A 28-year-old British tourist remains in U.S. immigration detention after a visa complication during an attempted border crossing between the United States and Canada on February 26, 2025 [1][2].

Rebecca Burke, an artist from Portskewett, Monmouthshire in Wales, was denied entry into Canada while attempting to visit Vancouver during her four-month North American backpacking trip. Canadian officials determined she had incorrect visa documentation for her planned stay with a host family [3].

The situation escalated when Burke attempted to return to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) refused her re-entry, classifying her as an 'illegal alien' due to previous activities in Portland, Oregon, where she had exchanged domestic work for lodging [2][3].

According to CBP officials cited in The Independent, individuals traveling under the Visa Waiver Program 'are not allowed to work for any type of compensation,' including arrangements involving room and board [3].

Burke is currently being held at a detention facility in Tacoma, Washington. The U.K.'s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed they are 'supporting a British national detained in the USA and are in contact with the local authorities' [1].

Catherine Fookes, Labour MP for Monmouthshire, is working with the FCDO to secure Burke's release. Immigration authorities have indicated Burke is eligible for voluntary departure, though this requires approval from an immigration judge [3].