Skip to main content

Has the Minister or his officials raised directly with US authorities — including through the US Embassy in Wellington or the State Department in Washington — the case of a New Zealand citizen who has been held in the Adelanto ICE Processing Centre in California since 10 April 2026 after being detained at Los Angeles International Airport while returning from a family visit to New Zealand on a valid green card; if not, why not? and 1 other question

Answered 18012, 18013 (2026)
Questions published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 18012

    Has the Minister or his officials raised directly with US authorities — including through the US Embassy in Wellington or the State Department in Washington — the case of a New Zealand citizen who has been held in the Adelanto ICE Processing Centre in California since 10 April 2026 after being detained at Los Angeles International Airport while returning from a family visit to New Zealand on a valid green card; if not, why not?

  • 18013

    Is the Minister aware that a New Zealand citizen who has resided legally in the United States for approximately 30 years on a valid green card, and who was returning to her home in Wisconsin after a family visit to New Zealand, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at Los Angeles International Airport on 10 April 2026 and is now being held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Centre in California's Mojave Desert; and has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade made contact with this New Zealand citizen and provided consular assistance to her and her family?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

No. The New Zealand Government is unable to influence the immigration decisions of other governments. However, we can confirm the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the individual concerned and their immediate family. Consular support for New Zealanders detained overseas includes ensuring that New Zealanders have access to legal representation, providing advice to family, and engaging with authorities (including detention facilities) where that is needed. For privacy reasons, we cannot comment on the details of individual consular cases.