Cliona's Hope: A Mother's Fight for Freedom

I am reaching out for support of my dear sister, Cliona Ward. Here is her story:

Cliona is a 54-year-old Irish-born lawful green card holder. who has lived in California since the age of 12. She is a 30-year resident of Santa Cruz, a permanent legal resident with a valid green card, and a beloved member of her community. Cliona was recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport after returning from Ireland, where she had been escorting our stepmother to see our dying father, who is battling dementia and at the end of his life.

Upon her return, Cliona followed all the instructions given to her by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), believing she was attending a simple administrative meeting to present documentation related to a 20-year-old, expunged non-violent criminal conviction from her youth. Despite having fully complied with the law, making reparations, maintaining a clean record ever since, working full-time, paying taxes, and raising a family—including caring for her chronically ill son—Cliona was instead taken into custody at what was supposed to be a routine meeting.

Shockingly, she was handcuffed, detained, and turned over to ICE agents, who are now moving to deport her. Cliona has lived most of her life in the United States. She attended UCSC (University of California, Santa Cruz), worked tirelessly in the non-profit sector to help others, and has spent decades building her life, career, and community here. She is a quiet, private, and gentle person who has done everything right and poses no threat to anyone.

This is a devastating situation not only for Cliona but for her young son, who relies on her as his primary caregiver, and for her entire family and community who love and support her.

We are asking for your help to secure the funds necessary to retain an immigration attorney who can fight to bring Cliona home, reunite her with her child, and protect her rightful place in the only home she has known for 25 years.

Please consider donating to help cover her legal costs and related expenses.

If you would prefer to Venmo, please send donations to @orla-Holladay.

Every donation, share, and word of encouragement helps.