B.C. independent MLA Amelia Boultbee speaks outside the legislature in Victoria, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Wolfgang Depner

By The Canadian Press

B.C. mother and seven-year-old daughter freed from ICE, says MLA

Apr 3, 2026 | 11:15 AM

VANCOUVER — An independent B.C. legislator says a Canadian mother who spent three weeks detained at an immigration facility in Texas, along with her seven-year-old daughter, was released from detention on Thursday.

Amelia Boultbee, an independent MLA who represents the electoral district of Penticton-Summerland, took to social media on Thursday to celebrate the news, saying that she was pleased to hear that Tania Warner and her daughter, Ayla, were going to be released.

Boultbee also expressed her gratitude to everyone who donated money, sent support, and spread awareness of this case.

Warner’s husband, Edward Warner, said on Tuesday that a judge had set the bond for his wife at US$9,500.

Warner and her daughter Ayla were taken into custody on March 14 at a United States border patrol checkpoint in Texas after returning from a baby shower.

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Warner, who is originally from Penticton, B.C., was going through the process to get a green card, which required her to spend thousands of dollars and undergo a criminal record check, but her husband says she kept her immigration paperwork up to date.

The mother and daughter were first held in a processing centre in McAllen, Texas, but were later transferred to an immigrant detention centre for families in the state.

Boultbee says Warner’s bond hearing occurred “significantly faster” as a result of the public pressure and diplomatic efforts that took place.

“I’m proud to be Canadian and proud to live in a community where we stand up for each other,” said Boultbee, adding that Warner and Ayla are grateful to everyone for their support.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April. 3, 2026.

The Canadian Press