Lewelyn Dixon, a 64-year-old resident of Washington, was released from the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma on Thursday afternoon, much to the relief of her family and a growing coalition of supporters.
The decision came during a court hearing held inside the detention center, where Dixon’s supporters gathered outside to advocate for her release and protest her detention.
As news of her release broke, cheers erupted from the crowd, and many were moved to tears by the outcome.
Following the hearing, Dixon’s family addressed the supporters who had rallied for her freedom.
Emily Cristobal, Dixon’s niece, expressed the sentiment among her family, stating that Dixon never should have been detained in the first place.
Dixon has lived in the United States since she immigrated with her family at the age of 14.
Her detention commenced at the end of February after she returned from a trip to her birthplace in the Philippines.
Despite being a lawful permanent resident, commonly referred to as a green card holder, Dixon was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the airport re-entry process.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review, which oversees administrative proceedings for immigration cases, stated via email that it does not comment on immigration judge decisions.
Noah Ajeto, a steering committee member of the Tanggol Migrante Network in Washington, highlighted that Dixon’s rights were violated during her detention.
Ajeto attributed Dixon’s situation to the current policies of the Trump administration, which has led to an increased number of migrants being deported and detained.
“The amount of distress that they’re causing to these different families has been very abhorrent,” Ajeto commented.
The federal detention center in Tacoma has seen a significant rise in the number of individuals held in custody, leading to concerns about family separations.
Union representatives and community members, including Dixon’s family, mobilized to advocate for her release, illustrating a growing movement against such immigration practices.
Tricia Schroeder, president of the Service Employees International Union Local 925, asserted that their struggle to protect Dixon’s job only strengthened their resolve.
“We’re going to continue to show up in unity,” Schroeder declared, emphasizing the need for solidarity among workers facing similar risks.
The union’s efforts included a petition aimed at safeguarding jobs for University of Washington employees who may find themselves in a similar situation of detention.
Addressing the rally participants, Cristobal expressed gratitude for their support and underscored that the movement sparked by Dixon’s case extends far beyond their family.
“This is for everyone who is in detention right now unjustly and knowing that the work is not over,” she said passionately.
The community’s support for Dixon reflects a broader societal response to immigration policies and practices that some argue unjustly target individuals.
Dixon’s case has become a symbol of the fight for immigrant rights, as her family, union, and supporters continue to advocate for justice and systemic change within the immigration system.
Lauren Gallup reported this story for Northwest Public Broadcasting. It is part of the Northwest News Network, which collaborates with public media organizations in Oregon and Washington.
image source from：https://www.opb.org/article/2025/05/31/lewelyn-dixon-freed-from-ice/
