Everlee Wihongi, a New Zealand citizen who has lived legally in the United States for more than 25 years, is being held in an ICE detention center in California. Wihongi was detained by immigration officers upon her return to the U.S. on April 10 following a three-week visit to New Zealand.
Detention at Los Angeles Airport
Wihongi had traveled to New Zealand to celebrate her uncle’s 80th birthday. Upon her return to the States, she was detained by ICE officers without explanation instead of proceeding through immigration as she had done previously.
Her sister-in-law, Courtney Wihongi, said officers informed the family that checks were necessary and that Everlee would meet them on the other side of the baggage carousel. That reunion never occurred, and the family spent the following weekend struggling to establish contact.
Conditions at Adelanto Processing Centre
Following her initial detention at the airport, Wihongi was transferred to an ICE processing center in Adelanto, northeast of Los Angeles. Family members describe the facility as crowded, noting that Wihongi shares a room with numerous other women.
According to Courtney Wihongi, Everlee is required to pay for basic hygiene items. Additionally, the family is charged ten cents per minute for every phone call they receive from the facility.
Legal Challenges and Background
Wihongi is a legal resident of Wisconsin, where she has been training as a welder and also works as a professional makeup artist. Her family has since obtained legal counsel to help navigate her detention.
The family’s legal representative is currently investigating whether Wihongi qualifies for bail. However, the lawyer requires a specific form from ICE to proceed; Wihongi has requested this document twice and has been told she cannot have it.
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