The Arrest at San Francisco International Airport

Cliona Ward, a 54-year-old Irish native and long-time California resident wiht a valid green Card until 2033, was detained at San francisco International Airport (SFO) upon her return from visiting her mother in Ireland. Despite residing in the United States for over three decades, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents flagged her due to a past criminal record, even though those charges had been expunged at the state level.

Details of the Past Criminal Record

The criminal record in question includes six cases between 2003 and 2008, involving drug possession and robbery charges. While some were minor offenses, others were classified as more serious crimes. Ward maintains that these charges were dismissed and expunged in California.

Conflicting Accounts and Federal vs. State Records

After her initial detention, Ward was released and instructed to provide documentation proving the expungement of her record. However, upon returning to the airport with the required documents, she was re-arrested and informed that her case would be presented before an immigration judge. Her family reports that they have been unable to communicate with her as this second arrest.

Ward’s sister emphasized that cliona had “atoned” for her past, having overcome a period of addiction and successfully completed the process of clearing her record at the state level. Though, legal sources suggest that the expungement of charges at the state level does not automatically translate to federal record updates. This discrepancy may have triggered the CBP’s actions.

She has a criminal past, for which she was aton.
Cliona Ward’s Sister

Family Concerns and Potential Hardship

The family expresses deep concern over Ward’s detention, stating that the treatment she is receiving is “worse than that of a criminal.” Moreover, they highlight that Ward is the primary caregiver for her U.S. citizen son, who suffers from a chronic illness.Her detention prevents her from providing the necessary care for her child.

CBP’s Stance and Policy Context

While the CBP declined to comment on the specifics of Ward’s case, a spokesperson stated that “when a legal permanent resident with multiple convictions, including serious crimes, is presented for a federal inspection, customs officers and border protection follow strict protocols to ensure that the traveler meets” all requirements for entry. This suggests a zero-tolerance approach towards any past criminal activity, regardless of expungement.

Some speculate that Ward’s arrest is linked to stricter immigration policies implemented in recent years, with a focus on deporting immigrants with criminal records. This aligns with a broader trend of increased immigration enforcement across the country. For example, in 2024, deportations increased by 15% compared to the previous year, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security.

The Trump management is enforcing immigration laws, something that the previous administration did not do.
Tricia mclaughlin, Undersecretary of the Department of National Security

Political Reactions and Calls for Review

Representative Jimmy Panetta, a Democrat, has strongly criticized the CBP’s actions, calling Ward’s detention “incomprehensible and unacceptable.” He argues that using a decades-old incident, supposedly expunged, as justification to deport a legal permanent resident who is a productive member of the community is unjust.

It is indeed unimaginable that an incident of 20 years ago, supposedly eliminated, can be used as justification to deport a legal permanent resident which is a productive member of our community.
Representative jimmy Panetta

The case raises questions about the fairness and consistency of immigration enforcement, particularly concerning the recognition of state-level expungements in federal immigration proceedings. It also underscores the potential for long-term residents with established ties to the U.S.to face deportation based on past mistakes,even after demonstrating rehabilitation.