Filipino green card holder detained by US ICE

A Filipino permanent resident in the United States is being held at the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia following his arrest at Charlotte International Airport in North Carolina.

The detainee, 44-year-old Sonny Lasquite, was stopped by Customs and Border Protection on 28 July after returning from a vacation in the Bahamas with a family friend. Reports indicated that a red flag in the system linked to a 2012 case prompted authorities to hold him.

His family has launched a crowdfunding appeal, noting that Lasquite has lived in the U.S. for decades and is the breadwinner of the family, supporting his mother’s medical and daily needs. They also allege medical neglect in detention.

“Sonny himself has also faced medical neglect during detention, including delayed access to his blood pressure medication and proper care for his recent fever,” the statement read.

This case follows calls from U.S. lawmakers for an explanation on alleged mistreatment of lawful Asian permanent residents, including Filipinos.

Similar incidents have also been reported this year, such as the detention of Lewelyn Dixon, a University of Washington laboratory technician held last February despite nearly 50 years of U.S. residency.

Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Eduardo de Vega told the DAILY TRIBUNE that about 38 Filipinos are in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.