Key Takeaways
• Cliona Ward, Irish green card holder, was released from ICE custody on May 7, 2025, after removal proceedings ended.
• Her expunged drug convictions led to detention due to federal immigration law not recognizing expungement.
• Strong advocacy from family, SEIU union, and politicians contributed to vacating convictions and ending deportation.
Cliona Ward’s Release from ICE Custody: What Happened, Why It Matters, and What Comes Next
Cliona Ward, a 54-year-old Irish green card holder and longtime resident of the United States 🇺🇸, was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on May 7, 2025, after a federal judge in Tacoma, Washington, ended her removal proceedings. Ward’s case drew national attention, sparking debate about immigration enforcement, the rights of legal permanent residents, and the impact of old criminal records on people who have built their lives in the United States 🇺🇸. Her story highlights how immigration law can affect real families and communities, and it raises important questions about due process and fairness.
Below, we break down what happened to Cliona Ward, why her case matters, and what it means for others in similar situations.
Who Is Cliona Ward and Why Was She Detained?
Cliona Ward is an Irish citizen who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for about 30 years as a legal permanent resident, commonly known as a green card holder. She is a mother and the main caregiver for her adult son, who is a U.S. citizen and lives with chronic illness. Ward has worked as a caregiver herself and is a longtime member of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 2015, where she has been active in her community.
Ward’s trouble began on March 19, 2025, when she returned to the United States 🇺🇸 from Ireland after visiting her sick father. At San Francisco International Airport, customs officials questioned her about her past criminal record, even though her green card was valid until 2033. She was detained, then temporarily released so she could gather documents showing her old convictions had been expunged (meaning erased from her record) in California.
When Ward returned to the airport on April 21, 2025, to present this proof, she was detained again. Officials told her she would have to argue her case before an immigration judge. She was then transferred to ICE custody in Tacoma, Washington, where she remained until her release on May 7.
Why Was Cliona Ward Detained Despite Having a Green Card?
Ward’s detention was based on her past criminal record, which included:
- Two felony convictions for drug possession (December 2007 and January 2008)
- Four misdemeanors between 2003 and 2008, involving drug possession and theft
Although these convictions had been expunged in California, federal immigration authorities still recognized them. Under U.S. immigration law, certain criminal convictions—even if they are old or have been expunged—can make a legal permanent resident “removable,” meaning they can be deported. This is because federal immigration law does not always treat expunged convictions the same way as state law does.
Ward’s case became more complicated because she had not been properly advised by her criminal defense lawyers years ago about the immigration consequences of pleading guilty to drug charges. This lack of proper legal advice is a serious issue, as it can lead to people unknowingly putting their immigration status at risk.
How Was Cliona Ward Released from ICE Custody?
Ward’s release came after a series of legal steps:
- Vacating Old Convictions: On May 2, 2025, Ward’s attorney in California, Michael Mehr, applied to have her original convictions formally vacated (meaning legally erased) in a way that would be recognized by federal authorities. The Santa Cruz County Superior Court, with support from the District Attorney’s Office, granted this request. The court found that Ward had not received proper legal advice about the immigration risks of her guilty pleas nearly 20 years ago.
- Ending Removal Proceedings: With her convictions vacated, Ward’s attorney in Washington state, Erin Hall of Global Justice Law Group PLLC, filed a motion to terminate the immigration case against her. The immigration judge in Tacoma agreed, signing an order to end the removal proceedings.
Release from Detention: On May 7, 2025, Ward was released from ICE custody in Tacoma. She was described as being in shock, hungry, and overwhelmed with emotion. Her sister, Orla Holladay, who had been fighting for her release, called the moment “absolutely surreal.”
What Was the Role of Advocacy and Support in Ward’s Case?
Ward’s release was not just the result of legal action. It was also the product of strong advocacy from her family, her union, and political supporters.
- Family Advocacy: Ward’s sister, Orla Holladay, played a key role. She organized a GoFundMe campaign that raised nearly €50,000 to cover legal costs. Holladay’s tireless efforts were recognized by Ward, who called her a “warrior sister.”
Union Support: The SEIU, especially Local 2015, stood by Ward throughout her ordeal. As a union member and caregiver, Ward received strong backing. The SEIU organized May Day rallies across the country, including a demonstration outside the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma on the day of her release. SEIU leaders called attention to Ward’s case as an example of how immigration enforcement can harm workers and families.
Political Support: Congressman Jimmy Panetta, who represents Santa Cruz County, publicly supported Ward and called for her release. After she was freed, he said, “I’m proud to share that Cliona Ward, a 30-year legal permanent resident of Santa Cruz County, will be released after being detained and threatened with deportation.” He also criticized what he called a “dangerous deportation policy” under President Trump.
What Are the Broader Policy Issues Raised by This Case?
Ward’s case has brought several important policy questions into the spotlight:
1. Immigration Enforcement and Old Convictions
Ward’s attorney, Michael Mehr, argued that before the Trump administration, Customs and Border Protection would not have detained a legal permanent resident returning from a short trip abroad for expunged convictions that were decades old. He said the current administration is detaining and deporting people for reasons that are not strong enough, or even to silence people who speak out.
2. Union and Worker Concerns
SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Rocío Sáenz said, “Make no mistake—this never should have happened. The Trump administration is using immigration enforcement to silence dissent, break up families, and intimidate union members.” The union pointed out that other members, like Lewelyn Dixon, remain detained at the same facility in Tacoma.
3. Due Process and Legal Rights
Ward’s case shows how important it is for immigrants to get proper legal advice, especially about the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Many people do not realize that even minor offenses can put their green cards at risk. The case also highlights the need for fair and clear procedures in immigration court.
What Was the Personal Impact on Cliona Ward and Her Family?
Ward’s detention had a deep effect on her and her family:
- Family Separation: Ward is the main caregiver for her adult son, who is a U.S. citizen and has serious health problems. Her detention left her son without his primary support.
Emotional and Psychological Toll: After her release, Ward was described as “shocked, filled with emotions, traumatized, full of gratitude, fear for the women she left behind.” Detention can be a traumatic experience, especially for people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years and have strong family and community ties.
Return Home: After being released, Ward and her sister returned to California. Her sister said Ward was “finally in her own bed,” a simple comfort after weeks in detention.
What Does This Mean for Other Immigrants and Green Card Holders?
Ward’s experience is not unique. Many legal permanent residents face similar risks if they have old criminal convictions, even if those convictions have been expunged under state law. Federal immigration law can treat expunged convictions as if they still exist. This means that green card holders with any criminal history should be very careful when traveling outside the United States 🇺🇸 or applying for citizenship.
Key Takeaways for Green Card Holders:
- Old Convictions Can Still Matter: Even if a conviction has been expunged in your state, it may still count under federal immigration law.
- Get Legal Advice: If you have any criminal record, talk to an immigration lawyer before traveling or applying for any immigration benefit.
- Know Your Rights: Legal permanent residents have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge if they are detained. They also have the right to legal representation, though not at government expense.
For more information on the rights of green card holders and the impact of criminal convictions, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) page on Green Card Rights and Responsibilities.
What Forms and Legal Processes Were Involved?
Ward’s case involved several important legal steps:
- Motion to Vacate Convictions: Her attorney filed a motion in California court to vacate her old convictions. This is a legal request to erase a conviction, often because the person did not get proper legal advice.
- Motion to Terminate Removal Proceedings: After her convictions were vacated, her attorney in Washington filed a motion to end the removal case in immigration court.
- Immigration Court Hearing: Ward had a hearing before an immigration judge in Tacoma, who ultimately signed the order for her release.
If you are facing similar issues, you may need to file forms such as Form EOIR-42B, Application for Cancellation of Removal and Adjustment of Status for Certain Nonpermanent Residents or other motions in immigration court. Always use the official government forms and seek legal help.
What Are the Next Steps for Cliona Ward and Others Like Her?
Ward’s immediate case is resolved, but her experience has lasting effects. She is now back in California with her family, but she and her supporters remain concerned for others still in detention. The SEIU has said it will keep fighting for union members and other immigrants who face similar problems.
For green card holders and their families, here are some practical steps:
- Review Your Record: If you have any criminal history, check with an immigration lawyer to see if it could affect your status.
- Stay Informed: Immigration laws and policies can change quickly. Follow updates from trusted sources like USCIS and advocacy groups.
- Build a Support Network: Family, unions, and community organizations can provide vital support if you face detention or removal.
Conclusion: Lessons from Cliona Ward’s Case
Cliona Ward’s release from ICE custody in Tacoma shows how immigration law can deeply affect individuals and families, even those who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for decades. Her case highlights the importance of legal representation, the impact of old criminal records, and the power of advocacy from family, unions, and elected officials.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, cases like Ward’s are likely to continue as long as federal immigration law treats expunged convictions as grounds for removal. The story serves as a reminder for all green card holders to know their rights, seek legal advice, and build strong support networks.
If you or someone you know is facing similar issues, take action early. Get legal help, gather your documents, and reach out to trusted organizations for support. The fight for fair treatment in immigration law is ongoing, and every voice and action can make a difference.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detaining individuals.
Green Card → A document granting lawful permanent residence in the U.S. to non-citizens.
Expunged Convictions → Criminal convictions legally erased from records but not always recognized federally in immigration cases.
Removal Proceedings → Legal process to determine if a non-citizen should be deported from the U.S.
Motion to Vacate → A legal request to annul or erase a prior criminal conviction.
This Article in a Nutshell
Cliona Ward, detained despite a valid green card, was freed after a judge ended removal proceedings. Her case highlights serious immigration law issues related to expunged convictions and the vital role of legal advocacy and union support in immigrant rights.
— By VisaVerge.com
