New Zealand mother and son detained in US

The story so far

A New Zealand woman and her six-year-old son were detained by US immigration officials at the US-Canada border after being reported as taken into custody while returning to Washington state from Canada.^{12, 13 Aug 2025} They were detained on 24 July, and the New Zealand Embassy and foreign affairs officials worked to secure their release from a Texas immigration processing centre.^{12, 13 Aug 2025} Immigration agents cited document issues, and a parole request for the pair was granted, clearing the way for their release.^{15 Aug 2025} After more than three weeks in custody, the pair returned to their Washington home, with the detention linked to visa issues.^{16 Aug 2025} The woman has since spoken publicly about her time in detention and remains under restrictions, including wearing an ankle monitor.^{20 Aug 2025}

Latest

The woman has spoken about her three-week stay in the Texas detention centre and remains under restrictions, including an ankle monitor.^{20 Aug 2025} Her lawyer says the pair are in good spirits while recovering at home.^{19 Aug 2025}

Key moments

1. 12 Aug 2025Reports say the pair were taken into custody at the Canadian border.
2. 13 Aug 2025New Zealand Embassy contacts Texas processing centre to seek the pair's release.
3. 15 Aug 2025Parole request granted; release from US immigration custody set.
4. 16 Aug 2025Pair return to their Washington home after more than three weeks held.
5. 20 Aug 2025Woman speaks publicly; remains under restrictions, including an ankle monitor.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.