New Zealander Everlee Wihongi has been released from ICE detention after two months, but her essential identification documents were not returned with her. Wihongi was detained by ICE upon attempting to re-enter the US with her Green Card due to a prior cannabis conviction. Her family expressed immense relief at her release near Phoenix, Arizona, though they are working to provide her with necessary identification and support as she prepares to return home to Wisconsin.
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Victor Avila, a 66-year-old legal permanent resident since 1967, was detained by ICE in May upon returning from Japan. His detention stems from a 2009 misdemeanor conviction, despite having served his sentence and renewed his green card twice since then. Avila’s family, including a son serving in the U.S. Air Force, are U.S. citizens, and a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $20,000 for his legal defense. A deportation hearing is scheduled for July 15th.
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Fabian Schmidt, a New Hampshire resident with a recently renewed green card, was detained at Logan Airport and transferred to an ICE facility in Rhode Island. His family reports he was subjected to harsh interrogation, including a strip search and denial of food, water, and medication, resulting in hospitalization for influenza. While the reason for his detention remains unclear, past minor offenses, including a dismissed marijuana charge and a resolved DUI, are being investigated as potential grounds for deportation. Legal counsel has been secured, and efforts are underway to secure his release on bail.
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John Q. Hosedrinker