Everlee Wihongi, a Novel Zealand citizen who has lived in the United States for more than 25 years, is currently being held in an ICE detention centre in California. The detention occurred following a three-week visit to her home country to celebrate her uncle’s 80th birthday.
Detention at Los Angeles Airport
Wihongi flew back to the United States on April 10. Despite having passed through immigration numerous times previously, she was detained by ICE officers without an explanation.
Her sister-in-law, Courtney Wihongi, stated that officers initially claimed they needed to perform “a few checks.” Family members were told she would meet them on the other side of the baggage carousel, but she never appeared.
Conditions at the Adelanto Processing Centre
Following her initial detention at the airport, Wihongi was transferred to an ICE processing centre in Adelanto, located northeast of Los Angeles. Family members describe the facility as very crowded.
Wihongi reportedly shares a sleeping room with numerous other females. She must pay for any basic hygiene items she requires while in custody.
Courtney Wihongi noted that the family now speaks with Everlee daily, though each call costs ten cents per minute. She described the experience as difficult, stating that in some senses, prisoners in a prison are treated better.
Legal Challenges and Next Steps
The family has secured legal counsel to establish a plan for Wihongi’s release. There is a possibility that she could qualify for bail, but this depends on identifying the specific reason for her detention.
Her lawyer has identified a specific form that ICE officers can provide to explain the grounds for detention. Wihongi has requested this form twice, but she has been told that she cannot get it.
Future developments may depend on whether the facility provides the necessary documentation, which could then allow her legal team to pursue a bail application.
For more details, you can watch the report on TVNZ+ or read further via rnz.co.nz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Everlee Wihongi currently being held?
She is being held at an ICE processing centre in Adelanto, which is located northeast of Los Angeles, California.
Why was Everlee Wihongi detained?
According to her family, ICE officers have not provided an answer as to why she was detained and she has been denied access to a specific form that would explain the reason.
What is the family’s current strategy for her release?
The family has hired a lawyer and is attempting to obtain a specific form from ICE officers to determine the reason for her detention, which is a requirement to see if she qualifies for bail.
How should the balance between national security checks and the rights of long-term legal residents be managed at international borders?
