U.S. deporting Pinoy, says DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said a Filipino will soon be deported to the Philippines from the United States after a US Immigration Court denied his application for a stay of removal.

In a statement on Monday, the DFA identified the Filipino deportee as Greggy, known in the Filipino community in Washington as “Kuya G.”

Greggy, who earlier claimed neglect while detained at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility and suffering from ulcerative colitis, was ordered deported by US authorities. 

The DFA did not disclose the exact date of his deportation.

“The Department respects this decision and recognizes the sovereign right of the United States to determine who may be allowed to remain in its territory,” the DFA said, adding that it will extend necessary assistance to Greggy upon his arrival in the Philippines.

The DFA said that through its Legal Assistance Fund, it previously provided funding for Greggy’s legal representation. 

Since the Consulate General in San Francisco was informed of his medical concerns, officials coordinated with US authorities to ensure he received examinations and appropriate medical attention.

The DFA added that the consulate had been informed by both Greggy and ICE officials regarding his hospitalization and was able to conduct welfare checks during his confinement. It also monitored his subsequent checkups and medications.

San Francisco-based Filipino diplomats had earlier sought humanitarian consideration to allow Greggy to recover substantially from his medical condition before deportation. 

However, the DFA said the ICE Health Services Corps assessed his condition and deemed him “medically cleared for deportation.”

“The Department reiterates its commitment to provide assistance to Philippine nationals abroad, through its Foreign Service Posts, in accordance with relevant conventions and international agreements, and with due respect for applicable local laws and regulations,” it said.

In January this year, US President Donald Trump issued an order titled “Protecting the American People from Invasion.” 

The order stated that the previous administration “invited, administered, and oversaw an unprecedented flood of illegal immigration into the United States.”

Trump said millions of illegal aliens crossed American borders or were permitted to fly directly into the US and settle in American communities, in violation of federal laws.

“Many of these aliens unlawfully present within the United States present significant threats to national security and public safety, committing vile and heinous acts against innocent Americans. Others are engaged in hostile activities, including espionage, economic espionage, and preparations for terror-related activities. Many have abused the generosity of the American people, and their presence in the United States has cost taxpayers billions of dollars at the Federal, State, and local levels,” the order stated.

Trump maintained that enforcing US immigration laws is critical to national security and public safety, saying Americans deserve a government that prioritizes their safety, security, and economic well-being.