New Zealand woman and six-year-old son detained for three weeks by ICE in US enduring 'terrifying' ordeal [View all]
Last edited Wed Aug 13, 2025, 02:17 PM - Edit history (1)
She has a work visa!
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Sarah Shaw, 33, a New Zealander who has lived in Washington state for just over three years, dropped her two eldest children to Vancouver airport on 24 July, so they could take a direct flight back to New Zealand for a holiday with their grandparents.
When Shaw attempted to re-enter the US, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) detained her and her youngest son, in what was a terrifying ordeal, said Victoria Besancon, Shaws friend who is helping to raise money for her legal fight.
Sarah thought she was being kidnapped, she said. They didnt really explain anything to her at first, they just kind of quietly took her and her son and immediately put them in like an unmarked white van.
Ice confiscated Shaws phone and transported the mother and son to the Dilley immigration processing center in south Texas, many states away from her home, Besancon said. Foreign nationals caught up in the Trump administrations immigration crackdown have similarly been transported to centres far from their homes, support networks and legal representation.
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More:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/13/new-zealand-woman-six-year-old-son-ice-detention-us-ntwnfb