Grace Report Author Urged to Appear Before Committee

Cliona Ward, a 54-year-old Irish national and long-term U.S. resident, is set to be released from federal immigration custody following a court decision on May 7, 2025. Ward, who has held a valid green card since 1993, was detained upon her return to San Francisco International Airport after visiting her ailing father in Ireland. The detention was based on decades-old drug convictions from the early 2000s, which she believed had been expunged under California law.

Legal Proceedings and Advocacy

Upon her return, Ward was initially granted temporary release to provide documentation of her expunged convictions. However, when she presented these documents on April 21, she was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and transferred to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington.

Ward’s attorney, Erin Hall, filed a motion in California to formally vacate the original convictions, arguing that Ward had not been informed of the potential immigration consequences of her guilty pleas, constituting a constitutional violation. A California judge granted the motion, allowing Hall to subsequently file for termination of the immigration proceedings. On May 7, a judge at the Tacoma Immigration Court signed an order ending the removal proceedings.

The case garnered significant support from the community, including trade unions and political figures. U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta advocated for Ward’s release, highlighting her rehabilitation and contributions to the community. A GoFundMe campaign launched to fund legal assistance exceeded its $40,000 goal, raising over $41,000 within days.

Ward’s detention and subsequent release underscore the complexities of U.S. immigration law, particularly concerning the recognition of state-level expungements at the federal level. Her case has sparked discussions about the treatment of long-term residents with past convictions and the need for clarity in immigration policies.

Following her release, Ward is expected to return to her home in Santa Cruz, California, where she has lived for over 30 years. Her family and supporters continue to advocate for reforms to prevent similar situations for other legal residents.