Everlee Wihongi, a 37-year-old New Zealand woman and legal resident of the US since 2000, has been released after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for more than 70 days. Wihongi was taken into custody in early April while attempting to re-enter the U.S. following a three-week holiday in New Zealand, because of a 2016 cannabis conviction that was later thrown out by a court.
How the detention unfolded
Wihongi stated that she was never formally informed of the specific reasons for her detention. According to Wihongi, officials only told her she had violated immigration law without specifying which statute. She described the experience as “horrific” and noted that despite her release, she does not yet feel free. Her sister-in-law, Courtney Wihongi, reported that Everlee was held in conditions that included sharing rooms with up to 60 other people at a time. Courtney Wihongi described the environment as “no conditions that any human being should have to endure.”
The role of legal and government advocacy
The effort to secure Wihongi’s release involved a sustained campaign by her family and legal team. Courtney Wihongi told RNZ that she spent the last two months working 24/7, contacting journalists and coordinating with legal counsel, including lawyer Marc Christopher. Everlee Wihongi also credited New Zealand journalist David Farrier for his role in the process. While the New Zealand consulate provided assistance after approximately three weeks of detention, Wihongi’s mother, Betty Wihongi, expressed disappointment in the broader response from the New Zealand government. Betty Wihongi specifically criticized misinformation she alleged was shared by Winston Peters, stating it “hurt our case.”
What happens next
Although currently released, Wihongi’s status remains a point of concern for her family. Following her release, Wihongi indicated she is not yet fully free and plans to share the “whole story” once she has had time to process the ordeal with her family. Her mother, Betty Wihongi, had said she was left without her passport, Green Card or driver’s licence after her release. The family continues to monitor the situation as they move toward what they describe as a period of healing.
