New Zealand Green Card Holder Detained by ICE in California Over Decades-Old Minor Conviction

Everlee Wihongi faces 22-hour daily confinement in a California ICE facility. Her family appeals to Winston Peters for intervention amid a 10-year-old charge.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 2:40 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A Sudden Detention at the Border The Wihongi family’s return to the United States after a holiday in Aotearoa took a traumatic turn when Everlee Wihongi was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Despite living in the U.S. for 30 years and holding a valid Green Card, Wihongi was separated from her mother, Betty, at the airport. After a seven-hour wait, the family learned she was being transferred to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in California. The catalyst for the detention is a historic marijuana possession charge that was legally resolved more than a decade ago.

Conditions Inside the ICE Processing Center Reports from inside the facility describe a grueling environment where Wihongi is reportedly sharing a room with 46 other detainees. According to her mother, detainees are confined to their quarters for 22 hours a day, with the space serving as both a sleeping area with bunks and a dining area with communal tables. Wihongi is believed to be one of the few individuals in the ward holding a permanent residency status, further complicating the family's understanding of her continued incarceration.

Family Pleads for Diplomatic Intervention Betty Wihongi has made a direct appeal to New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, urging him to bypass standard consular bureaucracy. The family claims that current support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has been insufficient, alleging that no officials have visited Everlee in person and that guidance on securing legal representation has been lacking. The family is calling for a high-level diplomatic "step up" to address the unique circumstances of a long-term resident being held over a minor, historic offense.

The Government’s Consular Response In response to the growing public appeal, the office of Winston Peters stated that the situation remains a consular matter and that the Minister is receiving regular updates. While the New Zealand government maintains that it cannot directly influence the immigration decisions of sovereign nations, MFAT confirmed it is providing assistance through established channels. This includes ensuring access to legal resources and engaging with the detention facility. However, officials cited privacy reasons for withholding specific details regarding the complexities of the case.

A Life Disrupted After Three Dec...