Irish woman detained by US immigration released after 17 days in custody

Cliona Ward, who has lived legally in US for decades, was returning from trip to Ireland when held over criminal record from 20 years ago

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.