Archive · 13 Aug 2025
NZ Woman Detained in US After Canada Trip, Advocate Says
A New Zealand woman and her son were held by US immigration after crossing the border from Canada.
Sarah Shaw, who lives in Washington and works with at-risk youth, had an employment visa, but a part of it wasn't fully approved.
When she tried to return to the US, she was detained and taken to a detention center in Texas.
Her friend says this was a scary and unnecessary experience, likening it to being in jail.
The friend believes officials could have allowed her back in the US without detaining her, and that detaining the son is illegal.
A New Zealand woman and her son were detained by ICE after a trip to Canada.
The woman, Sarah Shaw, holds a combo card, but only half of it was approved.
Shaw was detained at the Canada-US border and taken to a detention facility in Texas.
Her friend says the experience was traumatic, with Shaw feeling like she was being kidnapped.
Her advocate claims officials could have granted humanitarian parole instead of detention.
- Who
- Sarah Shaw and her son.
- What
- A New Zealand woman and her son were detained by ICE after a trip to Canada.
- When
- Detention occurred after July 24.
- Where
- At the Canada-US border and in a detention center in Texas.
- Why
- Due to complications with Shaw's visa status.
Advocate's Perspective
US Immigration
Need for Detention
Advocate's Perspective
Shaw's detention was unnecessary and could have been avoided.
US Immigration
Unstated, potentially that detention was necessary based on immigration laws.
- Detainee
- Sarah Shaw and son
- Nationality
- New Zealand
- Location
- Washington (lives); Texas (detained)
- Visa Status
- Combo card (employment and I-360), some unapproved
- Detention Facility
- Dilley immigration processing centre