A Canadian woman accused of slapping a teenager in New Jersey for wearing clothing branded with President Donald Trump's name has taken a dramatic turn. Her husband, Matthew Geroni, has publicly appealed for help following her detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Geroni, who has shared multiple videos on TikTok, said his wife, Kaitlyn E. Tracey, is now being held at an immigration detention facility as he works to secure her release.
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Matthew Geroni says, "I gotta save her"
Following his wife's detention, Matthew Geroni posted emotional videos on TikTok asking for help. In one video, he said: "ICE is coming there to pick her up." He later added: "I don't know what to do."
Geroni also said: "I gotta figure something out." Before ending the video, he declared: "I gotta save her."
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Matthew Geroni says wife's safety is his priority
In another TikTok video, Geroni said he wasn't focused on political opinions surrounding the case. Instead, he emphasized that his concern is his wife's well-being.
"I don't care what your opinions are of me or the situation." He continued: "The only thing that matters to me is my wife's safety and well-being."
Geroni added that even if Tracey is ultimately deported to Canada, his priority is ensuring she is safe. Speaking to the Asbury Park Press, Geroni said the last time he saw his wife was Monday morning when she voluntarily surrendered to police.
He confirmed that he plans to hire an immigration attorney to challenge her detention. Geroni also claimed he briefly launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay legal expenses, but later removed it after, according to him, it was mass-reported.
Kaitlyn E. Tracey arrested after alleged boardwalk assault
According to court documents cited by NJ.com, the incident happened on July 3 at the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. Authorities alleged that Kaitlyn E. Tracey, 33, approached a group of four teenagers. Two members of the group were reportedly wearing sweatpants in patriotic colors, while one teenage girl was wearing sweatpants displaying the words "TRUMP" and "ICE."
Investigators say Tracey shouted at members of the group before allegedly slapping the teenage girl across her face and body. The teenager was not injured during the encounter, according to court records.
Police also said the alleged incident was captured on surveillance cameras.
Police charges against Kaitlyn Tracey
Following an investigation, police identified and arrested Tracey on Monday after she initially left the scene.
She now faces several charges, including:
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- Simple assault
- Harassment
- Obstruction
According to court records, Tracey is a Canadian citizen who entered the United States using a passport in 2024 and currently lives in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for August 4.
Why is Kaitlyn Tracey in ICE custody?
Although a judge reportedly ordered Tracey's release from the Ocean County jail, immigration authorities had already placed an ICE detainer on her.
Her attorney, Francis R. Hodgson, told the Asbury Park Press that once Tracey was released from county custody, she was immediately transferred to ICE.
According to Geroni, ICE later moved her to the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark.
Who is Matthew Geroni?
Matthew Geroni is an American citizen and identifies himself as Kaitlyn Tracey's husband.
On TikTok, Geroni frequently posts political content and comedy videos. He describes himself as the "Clown of Asbury Park" and the "Jester of the Jersey Shore."
Since his wife's arrest, his social media has largely focused on updates about her legal situation and immigration case.
