Everlee Wihongi, a 37-year-old New Zealander, has been released from United States immigration detention following a two-month incarceration. Her lawyer, Marc Christopher, confirmed on Saturday (NZT) that Wihongi was released in Arizona after he received a filing authorizing her exit from custody. She had been held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since early April due to a 2016 cannabis conviction discovered when she attempted to re-enter the U.S. on a Green Card.
Why was Wihongi detained?
The detention stemmed from a border inspection following Wihongi’s return from a three-week holiday in New Zealand. According to reporting by 1News, Wihongi was in possession of a Permanent Resident Card, or Green Card, at the time of her arrival. Officials detained her citing a 2016 cannabis conviction. Following her initial detention in California, she was transferred to facilities in Arizona, where she remained for over two months. Her sister, Courtney Wihongi, noted that the family spent the last two months working 24/7 with legal counsel and contacting journalists to monitor her case.
What are the conditions of her release?
While the family is currently focused on her release, Courtney Wihongi described the detention conditions as difficult, stating that her sister was housed in rooms containing up to 60 people at a time. The family confirmed via FaceTime that Wihongi is now out of custody and, according to Courtney, is currently “so content to be out and to be free.” The legal fight to secure her release required significant family resources, with Courtney describing the ordeal as a “rollercoaster” that left them without sleep for weeks.
What happens next for the family?
The family is now shifting their focus toward reuniting and recovery. Plans are currently underway to transport Wihongi back to her home in Wisconsin within the next few days. Courtney Wihongi stated that her sister will require time to heal from the experience. While the immediate detention crisis has concluded, the family’s future efforts will likely be centered on navigating the aftermath of the legal proceedings and the physical and emotional toll of the two-month detention period.
