Latest update as ‘traumatised' Irish mum based in US detained under new rules ‘in shock' at immigration facility release
THE Irish mum who was detained in a US immigration facility after coming back from Ireland has been released.
Cliona Ward was released from the facility in
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Cliona has been officially released
Credit: Supplied
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She was first detained on April 21
Credit: GoFundMe
The decision was made only a few hours after a judge accepted an application to terminate the
Cliona's attorney Erin Hall confirmed the news to
Sharing an update on the
"We walked into the room and the first thing she did was jump on the bed and hug the pillows.
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"She is in shock; filled with emotions, traumatised, full of gratitude, fear for the women she left behind."
The 54-year-old, a green card holder and a long-time resident of Santa Cruz,
Cliona, who is originally from
At the time, her green card was up to date, and not expiring until 2033.
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She was held over a small number of 20-year-old
Cliona's other sister, Tracey, who lives in
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She said: "I was trying to maintain hope but I know how the system works over there so I was very fearful for her. I'm just completely relieved.
"The outpouring of love worldwide that we've received has been absolutely unbelievable."
Following the bombshell
Washington
State, Erin Hall, told how an application had been made in California for the original convictions to be formally vacated in a manner which would be recognised at a federal level.
A California judge agreed to the application which allowed Ms Hall to subsequently file a motion to terminate the immigration proceedings.
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Yesterday, a judge at the Tacoma Immigration Court signed an order ending the removal proceedings.
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