Kiwi ICE detainee Everlee Wihongi: 'Although I've been released, I am not yet free'

Everlee Wihongi, a 37-year-old New Zealand citizen living in the United States, endured nearly three months of detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before being released earlier this month. Her ordeal began in early April when she attempted to return to the U.S. following a three-week trip to New Zealand. Despite holding a valid Green Card—also known as a Permanent Resident Card—she was detained upon arrival due to a past cannabis-related conviction from 2016.

Wihongi described her experience as “horrific,” emphasizing the lack of clarity regarding the reasons behind her detention. She stated that she was never formally informed of specific charges against her nor provided with any official documentation explaining why she was being held. Instead, she was told she had violated U.S. immigration law, though the exact nature of the violation remained unclear. This uncertainty added to the psychological burden of her detention.

After her release, Wihongi expressed gratitude toward her family, friends, and legal team for their unwavering support throughout the ordeal. In a Facebook post, she acknowledged the sacrifices made by those around her, particularly thanking her lawyer, Marc Christopher, and New Zealand journalist David Farrier for their efforts in securing her release. She emphasized the overwhelming sense of love and care she received during her time in custody, which helped her cope with the difficult circumstances.

Wihongi clarified that her Green Card status had not lapsed or expired, and she had previously traveled internationally without encountering similar issues. She maintained that her legal residency in the U.S. had remained intact since 2000. However, despite her claims, she found herself in legal limbo, stating, “Although I have been released, I am not yet free.” She requested time to process her experiences and be with her family, indicating that she plans to share her full account once she feels ready.

Her sister-in-law, Courtney Wihongi, spoke about the emotional toll of the experience, noting that Everlee required significant healing after enduring harsh conditions in detention facilities where she was sometimes housed with up to 60 others in a single room. While relieved that the immediate crisis had passed, Courtney expressed deep concern over the inhumane treatment Everlee faced. She described the conditions as unacceptable and highlighted the emotional and physical challenges her sister-in-law had endured.

Everlee’s mother, Betty Wihongi, voiced disappointment with the New Zealand government’s response to the situation. She criticized the misinformation spread by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, claiming it had negatively impacted their case. However, she noted that the New Zealand consulate eventually provided assistance after approximately three weeks of detention, which proved beneficial. Despite this, the family felt the government's initial reaction fell short of expectations.

The Wihongi family has spent considerable effort monitoring Everlee’s situation and navigating the complexities of the U.S. court system. Courtney revealed that the family had been actively reaching out to journalists, researchers, and potential supporters to aid in their cause. The constant attention and pressure took a toll on them, requiring round-the-clock dedication over the past two months.

As Everlee begins to recover from her traumatic experience, the focus now shifts to understanding the broader implications of her case. Legal experts and advocates for immigrant rights may scrutinize the circumstances surrounding her detention, seeking to determine whether systemic issues contributed to her prolonged incarceration. Additionally, the family’s criticisms of the New Zealand government’s handling of the situation may prompt further discussions on how diplomatic channels can better assist citizens abroad facing legal difficulties. For now, Everlee remains focused on healing and ensuring her voice is heard in the future.