New Zealander Everlee Wihongi has been released from ICE detention after two months, but she is facing challenges as she lacks her passport, Green Card, and driver's license, according to her family. This situation unfolded as Wihongi attempted to return to the U.S. on a Green Card after a three-week holiday in New Zealand, during which she was detained due to a 2016 cannabis conviction.
What led to Everlee Wihongi's detention?
Everlee Wihongi, a 37-year-old Ngāpuhi woman, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upon her return to the U.S. on April 10, 2026. She had been living legally in Wisconsin for decades, training to be a welder. Her detention was triggered by a prior cannabis conviction that dated back to 2016, which had not been resolved before her trip.
- Wihongi was initially held at Los Angeles International Airport before being transferred to an ICE processing center in Adelanto, California, and later moved to Arizona.
- Her lawyer, Marc Christopher, noted that the cannabis conviction was quashed following a court hearing, which should have alleviated her immigration issues.
- In total, Wihongi spent over two months in detention, enduring conditions that included being housed with up to 60 others at a time.
How was her release received by her family?
Wihongi's family expressed immense relief upon receiving confirmation of her release near Phoenix, Arizona. Her mother, Betty Wihongi, and sister-in-law, Courtney Wihongi, shared their emotional response during a radio interview.
- "I can't even put into words how we are feeling right now," Courtney said, highlighting the joy and relief of finally speaking to Everlee after the ordeal.
- Betty expressed gratitude for her daughter's freedom but voiced frustration over the lack of returned identification documents, which left Everlee unable to book a hotel room until family could reach her.
- The family plans to reunite with Everlee and help her return to Wisconsin in the coming days.
What challenges does Wihongi face post-release?
Though Wihongi is free, her situation remains precarious due to the absence of key identification documents. This has complicated her immediate plans and raised concerns about her ability to navigate daily life.
- Without her passport, Green Card, or driver's license, Wihongi cannot secure accommodations or travel independently.
- Betty Wihongi stated, "We're trying to organize a place for her to go and stay at until we can arrive."
- Everlee's family has been working tirelessly to assist her throughout this process, which has included contacting media and legal teams for support.
How did the New Zealand government respond?
The family's criticism of the New Zealand government's response to Everlee's detention has been vocal, particularly concerning misinformation that may have hindered their case.
- Betty Wihongi expressed disappointment in the government's handling of the situation, especially citing misinformation from Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters that negatively impacted their case.
- After three weeks in detention, the family received assistance from the New Zealand consulate, which they found helpful.
- Betty noted, "It was definitely no sleep and working on this 24/7 for the last two months," emphasizing the toll the fight took on the family.
What’s next for Everlee Wihongi?
Looking ahead, the family plans to facilitate Everlee's return home to Wisconsin, where she can begin to heal from the trauma of her detention experience.
- They hope to reunite soon and provide support as she transitions back to her life in the U.S.
- Once home, Everlee will likely need time to recuperate from the conditions she endured during her detention.
- Marc Christopher, her lawyer, indicated that the family is eager for her to settle back into normalcy and is relieved that the legal battle is over.
What did Wihongi's lawyer say about her release?
Marc Christopher celebrated Wihongi's release, stating she was freed from the Eloy Detention Center and taken to a facility in Phoenix, where recently released individuals are accommodated.
- He confirmed that Wihongi's release occurred around 8 AM New Zealand time, and her family was en route to bring her home.
- "Hopefully, by the end of the weekend, she's going to be back home in Wisconsin. We are very, very happy," Christopher said, expressing relief over the outcome.
- He emphasized the emotional toll the ordeal took on Wihongi and her family, noting the pain and anxiety experienced during her detention.