British Cartoonist and writer R.E ‘Becky’ Burke was recently detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement whilst on a four month backpacking holiday. After being denied entry into Canada because of a visa issue, Burke returned to the United States only to be arrested and subsequently detained indefinitely. Reportedly, the issues with her visa revolved around her staying with families via a website that exchanged some light household duties for lodging, which unfortunately constitutes work in both Canada and the US.
Comics professionals around the world have been signalling concern and support for Becky Burke, who is a respected figure in the UK comic book scene. It has even been reported on by non-comics related websites, such as Britain’s national news outlet The BBC. Burke has written and illustrated for Broken Frontier, contributed to the organisation of Thought Bubble Comics Art Festival, as well as extensive independent work as a cartoonist and event organiser. As a person in the UK comics scene, I have personally heard nothing but good things about her and respect towards her from a variety of people, both amongst professionals and regular comics enjoyers.
Art by R.E Burke
Her father, Paul Burke, has begun a GoFundMe campaign in support of getting Becky the support that she needs. It has a goal of around eight thousand pounds, and as of writing has raised over six thousand already. He elaborated on the reasons for doing so on the campaign page as follows:
Becky’s family is doing everything they can to get her home, working with MPs and the Foreign Office, but legal support is expensive. She needs a good immigration lawyer, expert advice, and funds to help her get by while she’s detained.
Art by R.E Burke
Describing her treatment whilst being detained, Burke writes:
She is facing tough conditions, having had all her possessions removed, only eating cold beans and potatoes (she is vegan) and is only allowed visitors through a screen and phone.
Hope is not lost however, and with the help of the GoFundMe campaign linked here, the difficult legal battle for Burke’s freedom can be supported. Her family and friends have been posting regular updates, and with any luck, hopefully Burke will be able to return home to the United Kingdom soon. It is difficult to imagine how immensely stressful and difficult this situation must be for Burke as well as her loved ones, a situation which realistically could happen to almost anyone. Regardless of the legal reasoning behind her detention, her reported treatment comes off as unnecessarily harsh and intense. Andy Oliver of Broken Frontier, former colleague of Burke writes:
Decency will eventually prevail and we look forward to the time when this kind and thoughtful human being is back with her family, friends and community.
