Cliona Ward Expresses Deep Gratitude Following Release from US Facility, According to Sister

Cliona Ward, an Irish woman previously held in a U.S. immigration facility, has been released, as confirmed by her lawyer.

Ms. Ward was freed from the Tacoma Detention Centre in Washington State last night, shortly after a judge approved a request to terminate the immigration proceedings, attorney Erin Hall reported to RTÉ’s Prime Time.

“You Guys…. CLIONA IS FREE,” shared Ms. Ward’s sister, Orla Holladay, in an update on a Gofundme fundraising page.

“We walked into the room, and the first thing she did was jump on the bed and hug the pillows,” Ms. Holladay added.

Ms. Ward is a green card holder and a long-time resident of California. She was detained on April 21 after visiting Ireland last month to see her father.

Another sister, Tracey Ward, expressed that the news of her sibling’s release was a “huge, huge relief.”

“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,” stated Ms. Ward, who lives in Co Cork.

“The outpouring of love worldwide that we’ve received has been absolutely unbelievable.”

Tracey Ward remarked that the news of her sister’s release brought a “huge, huge relief.”

Cliona Ward’s green card permits her to live and work permanently in the U.S. Upon her return from Ireland, she was detained due to a few 20-year-old convictions, including traffic-related offenses, which she believed had been expunged following a guilty plea.

An application was submitted in California on Friday to formally vacate the original convictions in a way that would be acknowledged at the federal level, Ms. Hall explained.

“It was evident that Ms. Ward did not make those pleas voluntarily because she was unaware of the potential immigration consequences, constituting a constitutional violation,” she noted.

A California judge accepted the application, allowing Ms. Hall to file a motion to terminate the immigration proceedings. Yesterday, a judge at the Tacoma Immigration Court signed an order to end the removal proceedings.

“Justice was done,” Ms. Hall remarked, emphasizing the significant community support for the Irish woman, along with backing from trade unions and local congressman Jimmy Panetta.

“The judge acted swiftly, and I would say this case certainly progressed faster than usual. I’m glad everything worked out for her.”

Congressman Panetta tweeted that he fought to ensure that the facts of Cliona Ward’s case were presented so that the court could exercise its “full discretion and do the right thing.”

“I engaged officials from the White House to the Irish Government, collaborated with her legal team, and stood alongside her family and community. Her release highlights what’s achievable when we unite for transparency, due process, and justice.”

Ms. Ward’s lawyer noted that she is thrilled to be released but feels embarrassed about being detained over expunged convictions from years ago.

Mike Mehr stated that Ms. Ward spent approximately 17 days in detention, having been transferred from San Francisco to Seattle, where she was held at a detention centre.

He explained that she had no idea her prior convictions would still be recognized for immigration purposes since they had been expunged at the state level.

Mr. Mehr added that such cases are unusual.

Prior to U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, this situation might have resulted in removal proceedings but would certainly not have led to detention, he remarked.

He told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that officials indicated they were reluctant to detain her but were following orders.

She clearly was not a flight risk, Mr. Mehr mentioned.

“Under the new administration, these were their directives,” he asserted, adding that the conditions in the facility were harsh.

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Ms. Ward told him the food was “manky” and the lights were never turned off.

Nonetheless, she formed bonds with other women and feels sympathy for those still navigating the process.

Mr. Mehr noted that strict immigration policies have prompted immigration attorneys to encourage all capable individuals to become U.S. citizens.

He highlighted that even U.S. citizens are fearful of traveling abroad, negatively impacting tourism.

“But hopefully, we will prevail because there is growing resistance to Trump’s unreasonable policies,” he added.

Mr. Mehr anticipated that court proceedings would last around four months.

‘In record time, with cooperation from the local district attorney’s office, we managed to vacate the convictions at warp speed,” he remarked.

This has been an incredibly challenging time for the family, Cliona Ward’s sister Tracey shared.

“None of us have really been able to sleep properly while this has been happening,” she told Prime Time.

“I’m just completely relieved. With Cliona gaining her freedom, we will all strive to amplify our voices in support of everyone enduring this unjust system.”

She added that she looked forward to a video call with her sister.

“My next priority is to see her beautiful face. I’ll probably just stare at it and cry.”