Calls are growing for the immediate release of Everlee Wihongi after a United States Immigration Court postponed a scheduled hearing that could have seen her freed from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention.
The hearing was due to take place today but was delayed approximately 80 minutes before proceedings were set to begin. The case has now been pushed back to June 30, extending Wihongi’s detention beyond two months.
Te Pāti Māori says there is no justification for Wihongi to remain in custody after the conviction that formed the basis of her immigration case was successfully overturned.
Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says the latest postponement is another setback in a process marked by repeated delays and administrative failures. She says both the US justice and immigration systems have let Wihongi down and that Aotearoa must ensure it does not do the same.
Te Pāti Māori says no one should be detained without cause or forced to endure lengthy delays, transfers between facilities and ongoing uncertainty while officials fail to complete necessary processes.
Co-leader Rawiri Waititi says the overturning of Wihongi’s historical conviction removes the basis for her continued detention and argues there is no reason for ICE to keep her behind bars.
The party is warning that ongoing delays could leave Wihongi trapped in the system indefinitely if pressure is not maintained on authorities to resolve the matter.
Te Pāti Māori is now calling on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to urgently intervene and use every available diplomatic avenue to secure Wihongi’s release and facilitate her return home.
The case has attracted growing attention in Aotearoa, with supporters arguing Wihongi has already endured months of unnecessary detention despite the legal foundation of her immigration case no longer standing.
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