An Australian who was detained in the United States for reportedly overstaying his visa by less than two hours has been handed a date to face court.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with legal fees for Baxter Reid's case. Photo: Public domain
Family and friends of Baxter Reid, 26, from Canberra, said he was being held at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in upstate New York after being detained by US immigration officials.
According to Mr Reid's family, Baxter had been in the US on a five-year visa, which required him to leave the country every six months.
He was reportedly trying to travel to Canada to fulfil this requirement when he was detained.
Yesterday Mr Reid's brother, Alexander, said his family feared it could take up to six months for him to receive a court date.
But today Mr Reid's girlfriend, Heather Kancso, said a court date had been set for 10 May.
"The past 24 hours have been a whirlwind to say the least," she said.
"But he did receive a court date today. He will appear in front of a judge for his first bonds hearing on 10 May at 1pm."
Ms Kancso said it was possible Mr Reid would be granted bail, but she said she was cautious of getting her hopes up.
"I'm learning to roll with the punches in this whole situation, though I'm hoping for the best possible outcome that is for sure," she said.
"I've been in contact with Baxter every single day.
"He's definitely in good spirits and he's trying to see the bright side of things."
When Mr Reid was first detained, Ms Kancso set up a GoFundMe page with a goal of $8000, in an attempt to help with legal fees.
She said both she and Mr Reid were shocked and thankful for how much support they had received.
"We've actually gone over our goal by $500 the last time I checked," she said.
"It's incredible, I don't have words for how grateful I am."
- ABC
