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‘Please don’t let me get lost’ – Fears grow as Irish mum living in US detained under new immigration rules

April 28, 2025
in News
Photo of Cliona Ward, an Irish mother detained in the US under new immigration rules.
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AN Irish mum who has lived in the US for more than three decades was detained in California under new immigration rules.

Cliona Ward, 54, who is originally from Dublin but has lived legally in Santa Cruz, California, was detained by US Customs and Border Protection after a trip abroad over a criminal record from almost 20 years ago that was dismissed.

The 54-year-old was detained at the San Francisco International Airport after appearing there for a customs hearing earlier this week.

At the time, her green card was up to date, and not expiring until 2033.

Cliona returned to the US after escorting her stepmother to Ireland to be with her father, who is fighting dementia.

When she attempted to return with a valid green card, Cliona was detained and is now moved to a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility.

Cliona’s sister Orla Holladay said that her detention was triggered by a minor conviction from nearly 20 years ago, which her family believes has been expunged.

Her detention comes amid a major immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, in which people with valid documentation have been detained and face legal jeopardy.

Cliona was stopped in Seattle on her flight back to the US in late March when she was temporarily held by Customs and Border Protection.

She was held for three days, from March 19 to 21, but was later released and asked to report to San Francisco International Airport for a hearing in April.

But after arriving at the hearing with the requested documentation, Cliona was formally charged with moral turpitude and detained once again.

The 54-year-old woman, who emigrated to the US when she was 12, had six previous convictions, including two felonies for drug possession and four misdemeanours for minor offenses from 2003 to 2008.

Cliona’s sister Orla said that because those offences have been expunged within the state of California and not by federal authorities, she has been told Cliona must be seen by a federal judge.

And her first court hearing has been set for May 7.

Orla said that Cliona has lived in Sacramento, attended the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and currently works at a non-profit Christian organisation.

‘IT’S UNIMAGINABLE’

In a statement, California Representative Jimmy Panetta, a Democrat, said: “It’s unimaginable that a reportedly expunged, 20-year-old incident could be used as justification for deporting a legal permanent resident who is a productive member of our community.

“But this is the cruel and unreasonable state of this Administration’s deportation policy.

“As a former gang prosecutor, I understand and appreciate the need to remove hardened criminals from our communities, but the detention of Cliona Ward – now in her 50s and a Green Card holder – for decades-old crimes that have reportedly been expunged from her personal record is unfathomable and unacceptable.”

Legal analyst Steven Clark told NBC this week: “Prior drug convictions are particularly problematic, even though they’ve been decriminalized under state law.

“They are very serious under federal law. So, for people who have prior drug or theft convictions, you could be in the crosshairs of the Trump administration’s deportation policies.”

‘NIGHTMARE’

Orla has set up a GoFundMe to help the family to secure the funds to retain a lawyer who can help them “through this nightmare.”

She said: “She did everything she was supposed to do in order to make reparations for that criminal conviction, and has been gainfully employed, paying taxes and building a life in Santa Cruz.

“She has a son who is chronically ill who depends on her for care-giving.

“Cliona is a very private and gentle person, who wants nothing more than to return to her quiet life.”

She continued: “I was able to talk with Cliona from the detention center.

‘SHE IS TERRIFIED’

“She is terrified; scared of getting lost in the system but when I told her of all the people who are reaching out in her support and donating to her case she cried tears of relief: your support makes a difference, not just financially but emotionally and spiritually.

“That was one thing she said to me: ‘Please don’t let me get lost.'”

The GoFundMe campaign was launched with the goal of $20,000, and in three days it had raised over $16,650 with 245 donations – achieving already 83 per cent of its initial goal.

1

Cliona Ward was detained after appearing there for a customs hearing earlier this weekCredit: Gofundme



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