US News
ICE detains 76-year-old permanent resident with stage 4 cancer over 1970s conviction
Advocates and family seek the release of Loreto Javar, who was arrested during a citizenship interview over an alleged undisclosed conviction from decades ago in the Philippines.
The short version
- U.S. immigration authorities detained 76-year-old permanent resident Loreto Javar during a citizenship interview in Washington state.
- ICE alleges Javar failed to disclose a fatal 1970s altercation and conviction in the Philippines on his 1995 visa application, rendering him ineligible to remain in the U.S.
- Javar's family and advocacy groups are demanding his release, stating that his stage 4 prostate cancer treatment has been disrupted during his detention.
- Federal authorities have not indicated whether Javar will be granted medical release or expedited deportation proceedings.
Key facts
- Loreto Javar, a Filipino national and permanent U.S. resident who has lived in the U.S. since 1995, was detained by ICE in June during a naturalization interview in Tukwila, Washington.[The Guardian]
- ICE stated Javar is subject to deportation because he did not disclose a 1970s criminal conviction from the Philippines on his initial 1995 visa application, which would have disqualified him from entry.[The Guardian]
- Court documents indicate Javar served roughly three years in prison in the Philippines before being paroled following a 1970s altercation that resulted in a death.[The Guardian]
- Javar was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in January and is currently detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington.[The Guardian]
- Javar's family and the Tanggol Migrante Movement report that his cancer treatment has been interrupted, noting two missed monthly oncology appointments and meal delays that disrupt his medication schedule.[The Guardian]
- According to his daughter, Javar had no prior criminal record in the United States and had renewed his green card multiple times without incident since arriving in 1995.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unverified whether the Philippine consulate in Seattle will provide formal legal or financial aid to Javar following unfulfilled support commitments reported by advocates.[The Guardian]
- ICE has not publicly responded to specific inquiries regarding whether Javar's medical care and scheduling issues will be addressed while he remains in custody.[The Guardian]