The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) assured on Wednesday that it is ready to assist Filipinos facing deportation due to their immigration status in the United States.

Speaking on the sidelines of Jobstreet and DoLE’s Career Con 2025 in Pasay, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the agency will follow President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to support Filipino deportees.

“The DoLE will support efforts in providing assistance to Filipinos facing deportation,” Laguesma told reporters.

The president’s order comes amid growing concerns over stricter US immigration policies under the administration of former President Donald Trump.

According to Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, 24 Filipinos in the US were recently deported for alleged illegal activities, while around 80 others face impending deportation.

On 27 January, Trump launched a sweeping immigration crackdown, tasking the US military with aiding border security, issuing a broad ban on asylum, and taking steps to restrict citizenship for children born on US soil.

Trump emphasized that the deportation efforts would prioritize around 1.3 million immigrants who have already been processed, as well as those with alleged ties to criminal activities and gangs.

The Department of Foreign Affairs had previously advised Filipinos in the US to remain “low key” and work on legalizing their stay to avoid deportation.