Key Takeaways
- Everlee Wihongi, a New Zealand‑born Green‑Card holder, has been held in an ICE processing centre in California for three weeks after a historic marijuana conviction surfaced at the U.S. border.
- Her mother, Betty Wihongi, says the family was unaware of any risk because most relatives are naturalised U.S. citizens and Everlee possesses a valid Green Card.
- Detention conditions are harsh: Everlee shares a room with 46 others, is confined 22 hours a day, and has received no consular visits, legal‑referral help, or clear guidance from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) staff.
- Betty Wihongi is urging Foreign Minister Winston Peters to intervene directly, criticize the current level of support, and call for better training of consular officers.
- The New Zealand government states it is providing consular assistance within the limits of privacy and cannot influence U.S. immigration decisions, but it has not disclosed specifics of the case.
- The family continues to pay Everlee’s rent and bills while facing an uncertain future, highlighting the broader impact of detention on expatriate households.
Mother’s Plea for Ministerial Intervention
Betty Wihongi has publicly appealed to New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, to take concrete steps to assist her daughter, Everlee, who remains detained in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. She expressed frustration that the family, having lived in the United States for three decades and believing their citizenship status rendered them immune to border complications, was blindsided by the detention. Betty emphasized that the minister must “step up and do more,” urging him not only to address Everlee’s immediate situation but also to improve the training and responsiveness of consular staff who, in her view, have offered inadequate support.
Detention Details and Conditions
Everlee has been held for approximately three weeks in an ICE processing centre in California. According to her mother, she shares a large room with 46 other detainees, with bunks on one side and tables on the other. The detainees are confined to the same space for eating, sleeping, and daily activities for about 22 hours each day, leaving only limited time for movement or recreation. Everlee told her mother she believes she is the only person in the facility possessing a Green Card, which adds to her sense of isolation and vulnerability amid a population largely comprised of undocumented individuals.
Historical Conviction and Immigration Issue
The detention stems from a historic marijuana possession conviction that occurred more than ten years ago. Although the offense was resolved years earlier and Everlee had subsequently obtained lawful permanent resident status, U.S. immigration authorities flagged the record during routine processing upon the family’s return from a holiday in Aotearoa (New Zealand). The conviction, despite being dated and seemingly minor under New Zealand law, triggered a removal proceeding under U.S. immigration statutes that treat certain drug‑related offenses as grounds for detention and potential deportation, regardless of how long ago they occurred.
Family Background and Move to the United States
The Wihongi family relocated to the United States when Everlee was six years old, after her father secured a position with Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation following the 1993 sale of NZ Rail Limited for NZD 328 million. They settled in Wisconsin and have since maintained strong ties to both Aotearoa and the Cook Islands, where Betty’s ancestry lies. Over the past three decades, the family has made frequent trips back to New Zealand, continuing to pay Everlee’s rent and bills in the U.S. while preserving cultural and familial connections abroad.
Government Response and Consular Assistance
When approached by Mata, the office of Minister Winston Peters described the situation as a consular matter, confirming that MFAT is engaged and that the minister is being kept updated on ongoing efforts. The office indicated that any direct reply to Betty’s appeal would be routed through standard consular channels. A spokesperson reiterated that the minister trusts the professionalism of New Zealand’s embassy and consular staff, who are providing assistance such as facilitating access to legal representation, advising family members, and liaising with the detention facility where appropriate, while noting that details cannot be disclosed for privacy reasons.
Lack of Direct Support and Communication Gaps
Betty Wihongi disputed the claim of robust support, stating that no consular officer has visited Everlee in detention, the family has received no help locating a lawyer, and when her daughter finally managed to make a phone call, the responding staffer reportedly asked, “what do you want me to do about this?” She described the assistance as “not the best” and argued that the gap between official statements and on‑the‑ground reality leaves families feeling abandoned. Betty’s plea for better training of consular personnel reflects a desire for more proactive, empathetic, and effective engagement when New Zealanders encounter legal difficulties overseas.
Privacy Constraints and Family’s Demand for Transparency
Both the Minister’s office and MFAT cited privacy considerations as the reason they cannot divulge specifics of Everlee’s case. Betty and Everlee, however, insist they have been forthcoming about the past conviction and see no justification for withholding information that could help them understand the legal pathway forward. They argue that transparency—while respecting legitimate privacy concerns—would enable the family to make informed decisions, seek appropriate legal counsel, and assess the likelihood of a favorable resolution. The tension between safeguarding personal data and providing adequate consular oversight remains a central point of contention.
Ongoing Impact and Future Uncertainty
As the detention drags into its fourth week, the Wihongi family faces mounting stress and financial strain, continuing to cover Everlee’s rent and bills from abroad while uncertain about her immigration status, potential release, or possible removal. The situation underscores the precarious position of long‑term expatriates who, despite holding legal residency, can be ensnared by outdated or minor records under stringent U.S. immigration enforcement. Betty’s advocacy highlights a broader need for clear consular protocols, timely communication, and proactive ministerial involvement when New Zealand citizens encounter legal challenges overseas, ensuring that families are not left to navigate complex detention systems without adequate guidance.