Minda Thorward: Sarah Shaw's lawyer says it's unclear how long it will take Shaw and her son to be released from US immigration facility

New Zealand Embassy staff have made contact with Sarah Shaw - the Kiwi woman being detained along with her son at a US immigration facility.

The pair were detained on the Canadian border three weeks ago.

Shaw's lawyer Minda Thorward says she's using every legal process she can to get the pair out - but it's ultimately up to DHS.

"We're hoping that they're just going to release her and her son later this week - although they may still remain in proceedings. But we're still just waiting to find out what's going to happen."

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