18012 (2026). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

18012 (2026). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: 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?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: 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.