An Irish woman who was detained by US immigration authorities because of a criminal record dating back almost 20 years has been released after 17 days in custody.

Cliona Ward, 54, who has lived legally in the US for decades, emerged on Wednesday from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) facility at Tacomain Washington.

After visiting her sick father in Ireland she had been detained at San Francisco airport on 21 April, causing an outcry in Ireland and the US and a campaign for her release.

Last week a California judge agreed to an application for the original convictions to be formally overturned in a manner that would be recognised at a federal level, paving the way for her release, according to Ward’s lawyers.

        • @Dasus@lemmy.world
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          920 hours ago

          That guy served in the White House btw, although that’s not really shocking anymore seeing who’s living there, but back during when he got on to the Obama administration, it was kinda crazy. (Also why his character killed himself in House MD.)

          • @PunkRockSportsFan
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            720 hours ago

            Kal Penn! World class actor and true American patriot!

            • @Dasus@lemmy.world
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              420 hours ago

              Idk know he honestly has the greatest range, but definitely world class in comedy. And lots of people say comedy is harder than drama, but idk.

              I haven’t really watched his latest works. Only the stoner movies and House, really.

              • @PunkRockSportsFan
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                320 hours ago

                He was in smile that horror movie a couple years ago. It was actually a super good horror flick imo. I was stoked to see Kumar being a dr again

                  • @PunkRockSportsFan
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                    319 hours ago

                    Smile 1 blew my mind. Lowish budget and leaning into one theme hard. Nailed it.

                    Smile 2… was a little goofy.

                    But the weird monster was great