Full Breakdown
Kiwi Woman Detained by ICE After Family Visit
4/20/2026, 2:04:19 AM
Overview of the Incident
Everlee Wihongi, a New Zealand citizen residing in the United States for over 25 years, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upon her return from a three-week visit to New Zealand. The incident occurred on April 10, 2023, after she traveled to celebrate her uncle's 80th birthday. Instead of passing through immigration as usual, she was separated from her family at Los Angeles International Airport and taken to an ICE detention center in Adelanto, California.
Family's Distress and Legal Challenges
Wihongi's family reported that she was held for approximately 17 hours at the airport before being transferred to the detention center. Her mother, Betty Wihongi, expressed deep concern for her daughter's well-being, stating, “She was a mess, just crying and not understanding what’s going on.” Everlee's brother, Avaiiki Wihongi, claimed that ICE agents pressured her into signing documents without allowing her to read them fully, raising concerns about the legality of her detention.
The family believes that Everlee's detention may be linked to an old criminal charge that had been resolved over a decade ago. Despite having an active green card, they have not received clear answers from ICE regarding the reasons for her detention. Betty emphasized, “Everlee has done nothing wrong,” and expressed anxiety about the implications of her daughter's treatment.
Conditions in Detention
Reports indicate that Everlee is currently housed with 46 other detainees, with limited access to outdoor time and basic hygiene items, which she must purchase. Her sister-in-law, Courtney Wihongi, described the conditions as overcrowded, stating, “In the room that she sleeps in, there’s numerous other females sharing one room.” The family has been able to communicate with her daily, but the cost of phone calls adds to their stress.
Advocacy and Support
In response to the situation, Everlee's siblings have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal expenses, including representation for an upcoming hearing scheduled for April 28, 2023. The family is working with legal counsel to explore options for her release, including the possibility of bail. However, they face challenges in obtaining necessary documentation from ICE, which is critical for her legal strategy.
Official Statements & Responses
The family has expressed their hope that sharing Everlee's story will raise awareness among New Zealanders traveling to the United States. Betty stated, “People think if you’ve done everything right, you’ll be fine. But this has shown us that sometimes that’s not the case.” They continue to advocate for clarity regarding Everlee's detention and seek her prompt return home.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A border patrol officer said to us, ‘We’ll meet you downstairs at the carousel, we just have to chat with her for a bit’.” — Betty Wihongi, Mother
- “It's been over a week, and we still don't have an answer why” — Courtney Wihongi, Sister-in-law
- “There’s been a lot of anxiety, we’re scared for our daughter.” — Betty Wihongi, Mother
- “She's told us some things here and there, but we try not to dwell on that, because again, we're trying to keep her hopeful, but in a sense, prisoners are treated better in a prison.” — Courtney Wihongi, Sister-in-law
What's Next
The family is preparing for a legal hearing on April 28, 2023, while continuing to seek answers from ICE regarding Everlee's detention. They remain hopeful for a positive outcome and are committed to advocating for her rights.
