Maximo Londonio, a 42-year-old lawful permanent resident from Olympia, Washington, was detained by immigration officers upon his return to the United States after a family vacation in the Philippines, raising concerns among immigrant communities and legal advocates.
Londonio, who was born in the Philippines and has lived in the U.S. since he was 12, was questioned by officers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on May 15. Despite having a green card, his past criminal record—specifically a felony conviction for grand theft in 2002—led to his detention, according to reports from the Seattle Times.
Family members and advocacy organizations, such as Tanggol Migrante WA, noted that Londonio has not been convicted of any violent offenses and has fulfilled all legal requirements related to his previous convictions. They emphasized that he has traveled to the Philippines several times without incident, routinely facing brief questioning by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
The recent surge in detentions of green card holders like Londonio reflects the stringent immigration policies emphasized during the Trump administration. As lawful permanent residents, individuals can still face deportation under federal immigration law if they are convicted of offenses categorized as crimes involving moral turpitude, which includes crimes like grand theft.
“Max had previous nonviolent convictions, from when he was a young adult and have been resolved, and he has satisfied all requirements – that supposedly caused the flag to his detention,” said a representative from Tanggol Migrante WA. “Max is yet another victim of the Trump Administration’s attacks on migrants.”
Following his detention, Londonio informed his family that he was being moved to the Northwest Detention Center. His attorney noted that the date for his next hearing remains uncertain, adding to his family’s worries about his status.
This case is not isolated. In a similar situation, Lewelyn Dixon, a Filipino green card holder and lab technician at the University of Washington, was also detained at Seattle International Airport earlier this year for a nonviolent embezzlement conviction. He is currently in custody under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The policy shift under the Trump administration has heightened tensions among immigrant communities, particularly those involving lawful permanent residents with criminal records. Activists and advocates have raised alarms about the potential for wrongful detainment and removal of individuals who have legally resided in the U.S. for years, contributing to a growing sense of insecurity within these communities.
A statement from a CBP spokesperson highlighted that all individuals entering the U.S. are subject to inspection, whereby officers are tasked with determining the admissibility of foreign nationals according to established immigration laws. They reiterated that lawful permanent residency is a privilege, stating, “Under federal immigration law, lawful permanent residents convicted of offenses considered to be crimes involving moral turpitude, including aggravated felonies, can legally lose their status and be removed.”
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin defended the actions taken against Londonio, labeling his situation as a result of his criminal record. “If you are an alien, being in the United States is a privilege—not a right. When you break our laws that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country,” she stated.
Londonio’s family expressed their frustration and concern over his treatment and the broader implications it represents. “Four days is too long. The lack of accountability by the United States Customs and Border Protection is failing him right now…I’m a U.S. citizen, you failed me,” lamented Crystal Londonio, Maximo’s wife.
In response to the ongoing situation and to advocate for Londonio’s release, Tanggol Migrante WA has organized a rally scheduled for Friday at the Northwest Detention Center, where demonstrators plan to voice their support for those being detained.
The contrasting perspectives surrounding the cases of individuals like Londonio and Dixon illustrate the complicated and often tense environment created by current immigration enforcement policies. Supporters argue that lawful permanent residents with past nonviolent offenses should not be subjected to detainment or removal, while government officials maintain that adherence to laws must prevail above individual circumstances.
As the matter unfolds, the community watches closely for developments regarding Londonio’s court appearance and overall status in the U.S., hoping for a resolution that reflects the values of justice and fairness.
This recent incident highlights not just the individual plight of Maximo Londonio but also the broader implications for countless lawful residents facing similar uncertainties under strict immigration enforcement. Advocacy groups remain committed to raising awareness and fighting for the rights of those affected.
image source from：https://www.newsweek.com/maximo-londonio-green-card-detained-ice-washington-2075951
