New Zealand woman and 6-year-old son detained at US-Canada border
Jul 24, 2025·Location: Dilley, TX
Country of origin: New Zealand

Sarah Shaw, a New Zealand woman living in Washington State, and her 6-year-old son Isaac were detained by US immigration at the Canada-US border on July 24 after attempting to return home from dropping off her other children in Vancouver. Shaw held a temporary immigration document allowing her to travel and re-enter the US. Officials identified an administrative error with her paperwork. The pair were transferred to the Dilley Immigration Processing Centre in Texas, where they are being held. They do not have access to their personal belongings.
Sources
- 'Absolutely terrified': Friend breaks silence as Kiwi mum and 6yo child detained at US border
nzherald.co.nz·Aug 12, 2025·archived copy
- Detention of Sarah Shaw
en.wikipedia.org·Nov 23, 2025·archived copy
- NZ mother detained in US immigration facility returns home
nzherald.co.nz·Aug 16, 2025·archived copy
- king5.com
- New Zealand woman held for weeks in ICE detention
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