Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will deport a woman after she was accused of throwing coffee on an infant, the child’s mother, and the family’s dog during an incident in Florida, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said.
Nina Kristina Jaaskelainen, 54, a Finnish national, was arrested on November 14 following an altercation at 4112 Quail Ranch Road in New Smyrna Beach, according to police.
DHS officials said Jaaskelainen had been living in the U.S. illegally for more than 25 years after entering on a tourist visa.
The Context
The incident occurred when a woman was walking with her baby and dog, and was confronted by Jaaskelainen, who took issue with the dog not being leashed, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say the confrontation escalated, and Jaaskelainen allegedly threw coffee on all three.
What To Know
Kelly Brisell told WESH 2 News that she was walking with her infant son, Owen, and her five-year-old Dalmatian, Ponce, when she came across Jaaskelainen outside a home.
“She started screaming at us,” Brisell told the outlet. “I ignored her. She kept saying it, and I said, ‘I don’t have a leash,’ and kept walking. Then she looked at Ponce, walked up and threw her coffee on him.”
No serious injuries were reported in the incident, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Jaaskelainen was booked into the Volusia County Jail on charges of battery and domestic violence, DHS said. Her criminal case remains pending.
ICE confirmed that it placed an immigration detainer on Jaaskelainen on November 15, 2025, requesting that the jail notify the agency prior to her release so that federal officials can take her into immigration custody following the conclusion of local criminal proceedings.
“Nina confirmed that she had thrown coffee on [the mother’s] dog and denied intentionally throwing coffee on [the mother] and her baby,” according to the affidavit obtained by WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando.
Jaaskelainen originally entered the United States in April 1999 on a B2 tourist visa and did not depart by the required date in July of that same year, DHS said.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized Jaaskelainen’s prolonged unlawful presence in the country and said ICE issued the detainer to ensure she remains in custody following the local case.
What People Are Saying
“It was all over my clothes, and all over him,” the victim, Kelly Brisell, told WESH 2 News. “It was over his eyes, nose and temple. Thank God the coffee wasn’t hot.”
“For over TWO DECADES, Jaaskelainen has been in our country illegally, skirting the law without consequence. Now, a baby, a mother, and a dog have been assaulted by her,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a press release. “She is now facing charges for battery and domestic violence. ICE lodged an arrest detainer to ensure she can never victimize another American family. President Trump and Secretary Noem will not allow illegal aliens to terrorize American citizens.”
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said: “Deputies made contact with one illegal immigrant who was placed under arrest for local charges and an ICE Detainer was placed.”
What Happens Next
Jaaskelainen will remain in custody pending immigration proceedings ahead of her removal.
