Several Filipino teachers on J-1 non-immigrant visas on the island of Maui in Hawaii were temporarily detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on 6 May.

According to a local news station in Hawaii, the teachers were in Kahului where the warrants were executed.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) said the teachers were briefly detained and interviewed and a search was conducted at their location.

In a press conference organized by the Hawaii State Teachers Association, one of the 12 teachers said they were detained for 45 minutes.

The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu confirmed that none of the teachers were arrested and they were monitoring the situation closely.

“The teachers informed the consulate that none of them had been arrested and that they were safe and in good condition,” said Consul General Arman Talbo in a statement.

The Hawaii State Department of Education clarified on Wednesday that the teachers were employed through the US Department of State’s J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program, which allows educators from other countries to work in the US legally.

“We are in contact with the affected employees and are coordinating with the program sponsor to ensure they are supported,” the department said.

There are some 100 Filipino teachers working on various islands in Hawaii.