The mother of a New Zealand woman detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has disputed claims by Foreign Minister Winston Peters about her daughter's situation. Peters stated that Everlee Wihongi, a green card holder, was detained because she failed to disclose a prior conviction when entering the United States.
However, the woman's mother insists that her daughter had been upfront about her criminal history. The case highlights the importance for New Zealand green card holders to be transparent about any previous convictions when traveling to the U.S., as non-disclosure can lead to detention and potential deportation.
As of April 30, 2026, the New Zealand government is providing consular assistance to Wihongi. The incident serves as a reminder that U.S. immigration laws require full disclosure of criminal records, and failure to do so can result in serious consequences.
