New Zealand Mother Advocates for Daughter Detained by US Immigration Authorities
‘If she didn’t have us, she would be toast’: a New Zealand mother’s fight to free her daughter from ICE detention
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Everlee Wihongi, a New Zealand citizen with a green card, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since April 10, following a family trip. Her mother, Betty Wihongi, describes the harsh conditions and legal struggles faced by Everlee, who is fighting to vacate a past conviction that has led to her detention.
- 01Everlee Wihongi was detained by ICE in Los Angeles after returning from New Zealand due to a historic conviction for possession of marijuana.
- 02During her detention at the Adelanto facility in California, Wihongi experienced poor conditions, including overcrowding and lack of access to legal counsel.
- 03After being transferred to Eloy detention center in Arizona, Wihongi's immigration hearing date became void, forcing her to restart the legal process.
- 04Her current lawyer aims to vacate her previous conviction, arguing that she was misinformed about the consequences of her guilty plea.
- 05The New Zealand consulate is assisting the family, but Betty Wihongi urges the New Zealand government to apply pressure on US authorities regarding her daughter's treatment.
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Everlee Wihongi, a 37-year-old New Zealand citizen with a green card, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since April 10, 2023, following a trip to New Zealand. After a seven-hour wait at Los Angeles airport, she was taken into custody due to a historic marijuana possession conviction from over a decade ago. Her mother, Betty Wihongi, describes the distressing conditions in ICE facilities, where detainees are often treated poorly and subjected to inhumane conditions. Everlee was initially held at the Adelanto facility in California, where she shared a room with 45 others and faced constant disruptions. After a month, she was abruptly transferred to the Eloy detention center in Arizona without explanation, losing her scheduled immigration hearing in the process. Betty emphasizes the importance of family support in navigating the immigration system, stating that many detainees without external assistance are at a severe disadvantage. Everlee's current lawyer is working to vacate her conviction, arguing that she was not properly informed of the risks associated with her guilty plea. The New Zealand consulate has begun to assist, but Betty is calling on her government to take a more active role in advocating for her daughter's rights.
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Everlee Wihongi's case highlights the struggles faced by immigrants in the US legal system, particularly those with past convictions. It raises awareness about the treatment of detainees and the importance of legal representation.
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