Federal authorities cancel Edmonton mom's removal from Canada hours before she boards plane

Earlier that day, Sept. 4, authorities unexpectedly detained Abdi, who went into the CBSA building in downtown Edmonton for her weekly check-in. After a decade-long battle to stay in Canada, Abdi's removal was just six days away.

"Why did you leave us, Mommy?,” her eldest — seven years old — asked, putting a protective arm around his sibling.

"Mommy, come back," her youngest pleaded.

What unfolded over the next 72 hours, according to Abdi, was nothing short of a miracle.

On the same day she was supposed to fly back to Kenya, immigration authorities approved — in principle — Abdi's application for permanent residency on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.