Woman Who Slapped Girl On NJ Boardwalk In ICE Custody, Husband Says

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — A Canadian woman arrested on charges of simple assault after she was seen on video slapping a teenage girl on the boardwalk on July 3 is now in the custody of ICE, according to her husband.

Kaitlyn E. Tracey, 33, was arrested July 13 in the incident, which Point Pleasant Beach police said started with her confronting the girl over a political message on the girl's clothing.

Police said Tracey started yelling at the girl over the girl's patriotic-colored sweatpants with political wording. Point Pleasant Beach police did not describe the wording but it was supportive of President Donald Trump. The incident was captured on video that initially was shared on social media but appears to have been removed.

She has been charged with simple assault, endangering the welfare of a child, harassment and obstruction, police said.

Jail records said Tracey is a Canadian citizen; she came into the United States in 2024 with a passport, NJ.com reported.

Tracey, who was in the Ocean County Jail on Monday, was not there on Tuesday. Jail records indicated she is married and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement had placed a detention hold on her.

According to her husband, Matthew Geroni, Tracey was picked up by ICE agents from the Ocean County Jail on Monday afternoon and taken to Delaney Hall.

"I need an immigration lawyer," Geroni said in an emotional plea for help on his TikTok channel. "I gotta save her. I love ... I need my wife."

According to court records online, she has a private attorney, Francis R. Hodgson, and is scheduled for an early disposition conference on Aug. 4 at 9 a.m. before Judge Guy P. Ryan.

Messages to ICE officials and to Hodgson seeking comment were not answered Tuesday afternoon.

Friends have set up a GoFundMe campaign with the goal of hiring an immigration attorney to help Tracey and Geroni.

"We, Kate’s friends, are organizing this fundraiser to help cover the legal and immigration expenses she now faces after being detained by ICE on July 13," Travis Williams wrote on the GoFundMe campaign. "As she navigates this difficult and uncertain process, we want to ensure she has access to experienced legal representation and the support she needs. Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward her legal defense and related immigration costs. Thank you for standing with Kate and helping us support her during this challenging time."

Point Pleasant Beach police listed her home as Allenhurst, but NJ.com reported she lives in Asbury Park.

After yelling at the girl, Tracey was then seen hitting the girl, once on the body and once in the face, with an open hand, police said.

She then left the scene without being identified, police said.

Point Pleasant Beach police were able to identify her as Tracey on July 6, and she was arrested at Point Pleasant Beach police headquarters on Monday.