from CubitOom@infosec.pub to world@lemmy.world on 20 Jun 13:55
https://infosec.pub/post/48271761
cross-posted from: infosec.pub/post/48271760
New Zealander Everlee Wihongi has been released after two months in ICE detention, but has been left without her passport, Green Card or drivers’ licence, her mother says.
The 37-year-old Ngāpuhi woman was detained by ICE while attempting to return to the US on a Green Card - or Permanent Resident Card - after a three-week holiday in New Zealand in early April, because of a 2016 cannabis conviction.
Everlee’s mother Betty Wihongi and sister-in-law Courtney Wihongi told Saturday Morning of their huge sense of relief after confirmation she had been released near Phoenix, Arizona.
After initially being unable to find out whether today’s scheduled hearing had gone ahead, and frantic attempts to get through, they were finally able to make contact and speak with the just-released Everlee on FaceTime who got out about 6am NZ time.
“I can’t even put into words how we are feeling right now,” Courtney said. "That’s when it really hit that she’s actually out and that she’s actually free.
“It’s been a rollercoaster the past 24 hours.”
New Zealander Everlee Wihongi freed from ICE detention
Saturday Morning19 June 2026
Everlee was originally detained in California on 10 April, but was later transferred to Arizona. On release, Everlee had been given back the bags and clothes she entered the US with and put on a bus from the ICE detention centre.
“She went through an out-take process where they gave back her personal belongings, and she put on regular clothes,” Betty said. "Then they put her on a bus and sent her to the [Phoenix International Welcome Centre], an hour away from [the Eloy Detention Centre]. But it took like five hours because they had to stop at different detention centres to pick people up.
"We’re just relieved and happy that we’re at this point right now.
“We’re on the way to the airport right now. We’re looking forward to seeing her.”
However after the ordeal and uncertainty, Betty was frustrated the essential government identification documents had not been among Everlee’s personal belongings that were returned on release. It meant her daughter could not even book a hotel room for herself until her family were able to fly across the US to meet her.
“We’re trying to organise a place for her to go and stay at while she’s waiting for us to arrive”, Betty said.
Once reunited, the family plan to get her back home to Wisconsin in the next few days.
Courtney said her sister-in-law would need to do some healing after the experience and the conditions, including being housed in rooms with up to 60 other people at a time.
“At the moment she’s so content to be out and to be free.”
But: “It’s no conditions that any human being should have to endure … it’s been terrible,” Courtney said.
Betty said the New Zealand government’s response had not been good enough.
“I’m just really disappointed with the New Zealand government, and with a lot of the misinformation that Winston Peters put out, it just really hurt our case with the lies that he put out.”
#world
threaded - newest