New York — Maximo “Max” Londonio, a 42-year-old Filipino green card holder, was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on May 15 after returning from a vacation in the Philippines with his wife and daughter.
Londonio, a longtime resident of Olympia, Washington, immigrated to the U.S. at age 12. According to advocacy group Tanggol Migrante, CBP agents apprehended him based on nonviolent convictions from his youth. Though he had traveled internationally in the past without incident, this return triggered a legal review under immigration laws that allow detention of green card holders with certain prior convictions.
Key details:
- Londonio was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge.
- He will be transferred to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
- His wife, Crystal, a U.S. citizen, reported delays in communication and inconsistent updates from officials.
- Advocates say at least four Filipino green card holders are now detained at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.
Efforts to seek help from the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco have been slow, prompting criticism from rights groups.
Jo Faralan of Tanggol Migrante stated that both the U.S. and Philippine governments have failed to protect Londonio and emphasized the urgent need for support and transparency in his case.
Advocates continue to call for accountability and consular intervention.
