The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has confirmed that at least 15 New Zealanders are currently imprisoned in the United States, including three being held in immigration detention, RNZ has reported.
An MFAT spokesperson said further details could not be released for privacy reasons, but assured that consular assistance was available to those affected, as reported by RNZ.
The confirmation comes amid the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on migrants since taking office in January. While the policy has largely targeted the Latino community, foreign nationals from other countries, including South Korea and New Zealand, have also been caught up in the enforcement measures.
MFAT earlier said it was assisting one New Zealander in immigration detention, reported RNZ.
According to a report by RNZ, last month, New Zealander Sarah Shaw and her six-year-old son were released after a brief detention at the US-Canada border due to paperwork issues. The pair have since returned to their home in Washington state.
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