MFAT Must Act Urgently to Free Everlee Wihongi After Another Delayed Hearing
Everlee Wihongi was set to appear in court today to be freed from ICE detention. Unfortunately, approximately 80 minutes before it was scheduled to begin, the Immigration Court decided to postpone the hearing until June 30, 2026.
ICE has no reason to continue to detain Everlee after the conviction that formed the basis of the immigration case was successfully overturned. Everlee has now been detained for over two months, and this is just the latest in a long line of unnecessary delays.
“Our aroha goes out to Everlee Wihongi and the Wihongi whānau in the face of this incredibly frustrating and disappointing development” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer
“This isn’t the first time her proceedings have been delayed, the US justice and immigration systems have failed Everlee at every stage, and we must ensure that Aotearoa does not fail her.
“No one deserves to be incarcerated without cause, and no one should be forced to endure months of delays, transfers, and inhumane treatment while the perpetrators fail to provide simple paperwork,” said Ngarewa-Packer
“With her historical conviction overturned, ICE has no reason to keep Everlee in detention,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Rawiri Waititi
“These delays are absolutely unnecessary and unjust, and there’s nothing stopping the courts from continuing to find excuses to imprison Everlee if we don’t keep the pressure on.
“We are calling on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to act urgently and pull all the necessary levers to free Everlee Wihongi as soon as possible,” concluded Waititi.
