Key Takeaways
• Cliona Ward, a 54-year-old green card holder, was detained at San Francisco Airport in April 2025 despite expunged criminal records.
• State-level expungements do not always prevent federal immigration detention due to unmatched federal databases and increased 2025 enforcement.
• Green card holders face detentions for old convictions, fraud suspicion, database matches, and enhanced U.S. Customs and Border Protection scrutiny.
A Santa Cruz woman’s birthday trip turned into a legal ordeal in April 2025, shining a spotlight on the risks even long-term green card holders face at U.S. borders. Cliona Ward, a 54-year-old legal permanent resident, was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at San Francisco International Airport despite her pending green card application and a decades-old criminal record that had been dismissed at the state level. Her case, which led to her transfer to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Seattle and a scheduled court hearing, has sparked public debate and raised urgent questions for immigrants, families, and legal experts.
This incident is not isolated. It reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny and enforcement at U.S. ports of entry in 2025, affecting both green card holders and applicants. Understanding what happened to Cliona Ward, why it happened, and what it means for others is essential for anyone navigating the U.S. immigration system today.
Why Was Cliona Ward Detained?
Cliona Ward’s detention at San Francisco International Airport came as a shock to her family and community. According to her relatives, Ward is the primary caretaker for her chronically ill American citizen son. Despite her long-standing legal status and her role in her family, CBP officers detained her based on criminal convictions from nearly 20 years ago—convictions that had been expunged, or erased, at the state level.
After her detention, Ward was transferred to an ICE facility in Seattle, where she awaited a court hearing scheduled for May 7, 2025. Her family and supporters, including Rep. Jimmy Panetta, have spoken out, calling the detention “unfathomable and unacceptable.” Panetta pointed out that using a “reportedly expunged, 20-year-old incident” as grounds for deportation was deeply troubling, especially for someone who is a “productive member of our community.”
Ward’s case highlights a key issue: state-level expungements do not always protect immigrants from federal immigration consequences. Even if a state court erases a conviction, it may still appear in federal databases used by CBP and ICE. This gap can lead to unexpected detentions and legal battles for green card holders and applicants.
The Current Enforcement Climate in 2025
Ward’s experience is part of a larger pattern. In 2025, there has been a noticeable increase in detentions of green card holders at U.S. ports of entry. Immigration attorneys and advocates report that CBP officers are exercising greater discretion and conducting more thorough checks, especially for those with any criminal history or irregularities in their records.
Several factors contribute to this trend:
- Heightened Vetting: Since January 2025, CBP has increased its scrutiny of travelers, especially those with green cards or pending green card applications.
- Federal-State Record Mismatches: Expunged or dismissed state convictions may still trigger federal immigration actions.
- Database Flags: Names similar to those on government watchlists can lead to lengthy detentions, even if the traveler is eventually cleared.
- Policy Shifts: While CBP officials deny that recent detentions are tied to the Trump administration’s policies, legal experts argue that stricter enforcement priorities are having a real impact.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes have led to more green card holders being stopped, questioned, and sometimes detained at airports and border crossings.
What Triggers Detention for Green Card Holders?
Immigration attorney Jacob Sapochnick outlines several common reasons why green card holders are detained at U.S. ports of entry:
- Immigration Violations or Suspected Fraud: If CBP officers believe someone has lied or provided false information on immigration forms, they may detain the individual for further questioning. For example, a conditional green card holder who no longer lived with their spouse but claimed otherwise was recently detained for secondary inspection.
- Criminal Records: Even old or expunged convictions can appear in federal checks. This was the case for Cliona Ward, whose state-level expungements did not shield her from federal scrutiny.
- Increased Enforcement: CBP officers now have more discretion to detain travelers for additional screening, especially if there are any red flags in their records.
- Database Name Matches: Sometimes, a green card holder’s name matches or is similar to someone on a government watchlist. This can result in hours of detention while officers verify the traveler’s identity.
These triggers mean that even those who believe their records are clear may face unexpected problems at the border.
Legal Risks for Green Card Holders
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides clear guidance for new immigrants: permanent residents must obey all laws, and certain criminal convictions can have serious consequences. These include:
- Removal (Deportation): Green card holders can be removed from the United States 🇺🇸 for certain crimes.
- Refusal of Re-entry: Leaving the country and trying to return can be risky if there are any criminal convictions, even if they were dismissed or expunged.
- Loss of Permanent Resident Status: Serious legal problems can lead to the loss of a green card.
- Loss of Eligibility for Citizenship: Certain crimes make it impossible to become a U.S. citizen.
Crimes that can affect permanent resident status include:
- Aggravated felonies (such as violent crimes with a one-year prison sentence)
- Murder, rape, or sexual assault against a child
- Drug trafficking and other serious drug offenses
- Crimes of moral turpitude (crimes involving theft, fraud, physical harm, or sexual misconduct)
Other actions that can cause problems include:
- Lying to get immigration benefits
- Falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen
- Voting in federal elections
- Not supporting family or paying child support
- Domestic violence arrests
- Fraud against government agencies
- Failing to file tax returns
For more details on these rules, you can visit the official USCIS guide for new immigrants.
Rights of Detained Green Card Holders
If a green card holder is detained at a port of entry, they have certain rights:
- Right to a Hearing: They can request a hearing before an immigration judge.
- Right to Legal Counsel: They can contact an immigration attorney right away.
Legal experts strongly advise that anyone with a criminal record, even if it has been expunged, should talk to an immigration lawyer before traveling outside the United States 🇺🇸. As legal analyst Steven Clark explains, “Prior drug convictions are particularly problematic, even though they’ve been decriminalized under state law. They are very serious under federal law.”
The Impact of Federal vs. State Law
One of the most confusing aspects of U.S. immigration law is the difference between state and federal rules. A conviction that is dismissed or expunged at the state level may still appear in federal records. This means that federal immigration authorities can use old or dismissed charges as grounds for detention or removal, even if a state judge has cleared the person’s record.
This is what happened to Cliona Ward. Her old convictions were erased by the state, but they still showed up in the federal system used by CBP and ICE. This mismatch can catch green card holders and applicants off guard, especially if they believe their legal problems are behind them.
Policy Context and Political Debate
Ward’s detention has become part of a larger debate about immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. While CBP officials say her case is not tied to the Trump administration’s policies, legal experts and advocates disagree. They argue that stricter enforcement and broader use of discretion by CBP officers are leading to more detentions of green card holders, especially those with any criminal history.
The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, signed into law on March 23, 2024, may also play a role by providing more funding for immigration enforcement. However, the specific impact of this law on green card holders is not yet clear.
What Should Green Card Holders and Applicants Do?
Given the current climate, immigration experts recommend several steps for green card holders and those with pending green card applications:
1. Consult an Immigration Attorney Before Traveling
– If you have any criminal history, even if it was expunged or dismissed, talk to a lawyer before leaving the United States 🇺🇸.
– An attorney can help you understand your risks and may be able to help clear your record at the federal level.
2. Be Careful With Electronic Devices
– CBP officers can check your phone, laptop, or other devices for evidence of fraud or misrepresentation.
– Avoid carrying anything that could be misunderstood or raise questions about your immigration status.
3. Understand the Limits of State Expungements
– A state court’s decision to erase a conviction does not always protect you from federal immigration consequences.
– Make sure your record is clear in all relevant databases before traveling.
4. Prepare for Additional Screening
– Even with valid documents, you may face extra questions or delays at the border.
– Bring copies of important documents and contact information for your attorney.
5. Know Your Rights
– If detained, you have the right to a hearing and to speak with a lawyer.
– Do not sign any documents or make statements without legal advice.
6. For Pending Green Card Applicants:
– Traveling internationally while your green card application is pending can be risky.
– Re-entry is not guaranteed, and your application could be affected by any issues that arise at the border.
The Human Cost: Families and Communities
Cases like Cliona Ward’s have a real impact on families and communities. Ward is not just a legal permanent resident; she is a mother and caretaker. Her detention has left her son, who is chronically ill, without his primary support. This kind of disruption can have lasting effects, both emotionally and financially.
Community members and elected officials have rallied around Ward, but many others face similar situations without public attention or support. The fear of detention or deportation can make green card holders hesitant to travel, even for family emergencies or important life events.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
The increase in detentions of green card holders at U.S. ports of entry signals a shift in how immigration laws are enforced. Even long-term residents with deep ties to the United States 🇺🇸 can face sudden legal challenges based on old or dismissed charges. The gap between state and federal records adds another layer of risk and confusion.
For green card holders and applicants, the message is clear: take every precaution before traveling internationally, and seek legal advice if you have any concerns about your record. For families and communities, these cases highlight the importance of supporting those caught in the immigration system and advocating for fair and consistent policies.
Practical Steps and Resources
If you are a green card holder or have a pending green card application, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Check your criminal record at both the state and federal level.
- Consult with an experienced immigration attorney before making travel plans.
- Keep copies of all important documents, including your green card, passport, and any court records.
- Know your rights at the border and have a plan in case you are detained.
- Stay informed about changes in immigration policy and enforcement.
For official information on green card holder rights and responsibilities, visit the USCIS Green Card page.
Conclusion
Cliona Ward’s detention during her birthday trip is a powerful reminder of the challenges facing green card holders and applicants in 2025. Even those with strong community ties and expunged records can face unexpected legal trouble at the border. The current enforcement climate, combined with the gap between state and federal records, means that anyone with a green card—or applying for one—must be vigilant and proactive.
By understanding the risks, seeking legal advice, and staying informed, green card holders and applicants can better protect themselves and their families. As analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests, the landscape of U.S. immigration enforcement is changing, and preparation is more important than ever.
If you or someone you know is facing similar challenges, reach out to a qualified immigration attorney and consult official resources for the most up-to-date guidance. The stakes are high, but with the right information and support, you can navigate these challenges and protect your future in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
Green Card → A document granting lawful permanent residency to live and work in the United States.
Expungement → A legal process that erases or seals a criminal record at the state level.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) → U.S. federal agency enforcing laws at ports of entry and borders.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and detention within the U.S.
Removal (Deportation) → The legal process of expelling a non-citizen from the United States due to immigration violations.
This Article in a Nutshell
In April 2025, Cliona Ward’s birthday trip ended in detention due to expired federal records ignored at state level. This case reveals dangers green card holders face amid stricter U.S. border enforcement, urging legal advice and caution for those with criminal histories or pending applications.
— By VisaVerge.com
