Over the last few weeks the comics community has been deeply concerned about the plight of British cartoonist R. E. Burke, detained for 19 days in the US by ICE in the most appalling circumstances. Becky Burke was a member of the Broken Frontier team between 2020 and 2023 as a reviewer, interviewer and feature writer so this was of particular concern to us here at BF. Over the weekend Becky’s father Paul has put out a family statement about Becky’s ordeal and asked for it be shared widely which we are doing today below. It sets out in very clear terms the injustice of what she was put through and at the same time offers thanks for the support of all those who worked to spread awareness.
Welcome home Becky. We are so relieved and happy that you are back.
(As a related note we will always try to prioritise for coverage where possible the comics accounts of all those who face mistreatment at borders. Please check out our comics resource list on the stories of refugees and immigrants here.)
Becky Burke is Home After ICE Detention Nightmare
After 19 harrowing days in ICE detention due to a visa mix-up, our daughter Becky has finally returned home to the UK. Instead of allowing her to take an immediate flight back, Homeland Security detained her in handcuffs at a Tacoma, WA facility under harsh conditions. The current immigration crackdown and systemic delays exacerbated her ordeal, worsened by a shortage of immigration judges. Becky’s nightmare ended on March 18th, and she is now beginning to recover.
The Light of Kindness and Compassion
Throughout this ordeal, we were overwhelmed by the incredible kindness of friends, strangers, experts, politicians, and the media. From visitors making long journeys to see Becky, to generous donations for necessities, we cannot express our gratitude enough. This experience has reaffirmed our faith in humanity—showing that even in the darkest times, compassion shines through.
A Word of Caution for Travellers
Becky’s story serves as a warning to anyone planning extended trips to the USA: always triple-check visa requirements and confirm them with the US Embassy. Print any documentation for added security.
Becky is also planning to produce a graphic novel highlighting her story and how it is not an isolated case. She wants to support her fellow detainees who are still locked up, a group of women who helped Becky get through this horrible experience, despite their own grim situation. When she feels able to she will start posting again on her instagram page @R.E.Burke
Frequently Asked Questions
Did she overstay the 90 day limit on the ESTA tourist visa?
No. She had only been in the USA for 50 days when she had planned to travel by bus to Canada, she was planning to spend 2 months in Canada and then fly home to the UK.
Did she break the rules of the ESTA?
The ESTA is for tourists only. For work or study a specific visa is required. Becky did a lot of research before she went and what she had planned was classed as tourism. This was accepted when she entered the US on 7th January. It was also accepted in 2023 when she spent two weeks in San Francisco, with a host family. On the 26th February, US border officers suddenly decided staying with host families and joining in with household chores was now classed as work. Our US Immigration Lawyer said they got their definition of work wrong.
Was she given a chance to return to the UK at her own cost?
No, this was not offered at the border despite this being the usual protocol for tourists. ICE had the chance to offer this at any stage during her detention, her parents even had a flight home booked for her at one point, in the hope they would let her take it, but they didn’t.
Does she have a criminal record?
No. She also has many people who testify to her good character and her gentle soul.
Was she allowed to let family know when she was being deported?
No. One of the other detainees had to call us to say she had left. Even the British Consulate were not told that she had boarded the flight. We were only certain when she arrived at Heathrow.
Was she treated with ‘dignity and respect’ as written in ICE policy?
No. She was handcuffed when she was transferred from the border to the facility. When inside the facility ICE did not communicate where she was in the process, all her possessions were confiscated, lights were on 24/7 and there were four head counts each day during which they were forced stay on their bunk for at least an hour. When she was eventually transferred to Seattle airport to fly home she was taken in leg and waist chains and handcuffs, and was escorted to the plane.
