Latest news with #MaximoLondonio
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Community rallies in Tacoma, WA for release of detained green card holder Maximo Londonio
The Brief Supporters rallied for the release of Maximo "Kuya Max" Londonio, a detained labor union leader and green card holder. Londonio was detained after returning from the Philippines, with advocates highlighting systemic failures in immigration detention. The Tacoma ICE facility is reportedly over capacity, with worsening conditions and frequent deportation flights. TACOMA, Wash. - Supporters gathered outside the Northwest ICE Processing Center on Friday afternoon, calling for the release of Maximo "Kuya Max" Londonio — a longtime labor union leader, U.S. green card holder, and father of three. The rally, organized by immigrant rights groups and family members, drew dozens demanding immediate action from immigration authorities. Advocates say Londonio's detention highlights broader systemic failures and worsening conditions inside the facility. "Max is an amazing father and dedicated husband, selfless friend who deserves to be released.," his wife, Crystal Londonio said as she addressed the crowd, her voice full of emotion. Londonio, 42, was detained by Customs and Border Protection after returning from a trip to the Philippines. The visit was to honor his late mother and celebrate his wedding anniversary with Crystal. "He is not a threat, he is one of us, he is our brother," one protester shouted, as chants of solidarity echoed outside the detention center. Crystal shared her husband has a past – which they believe led to his detention. However, she said Max accepted responsibility for the mistakes he committed decades ago. "Max has taken accountability for his actions that he made more than 25 years ago, which was satisfied by all requirements set by the judicial system," Crystal said. Now, she says, he's been abandoned by both governments. "In response to being told we will just wait to see what the U.S. decides, then we will decide," Crystal said. Crystal has found support in Tanggol Migrante, a migrant advocacy network, and is now working with the organization to raise awareness about the effects of immigration detention on families. "This has impacts on the economy alright, and it's the downfall of it," said Jo Faralan of Tanggol Migrante. "Our migrants are what create our livelihood across the U.S." Advocates say Londonio's case is far from isolated — and they're demanding systemic change. "I want my husband home, my daughters want their father home now," Crystal said. The family has joined several immigrant advocacy organizations and labor unions fighting for every detainee to be released. During the rally, a bus, unclear how many passengers, entered the facility as Crystal joined the crowd chanting, "Free them all." La Resistencia, another advocacy group, reports that the Tacoma facility is currently over capacity, holding more than 1,600 detainees. The group says conditions inside are deteriorating, even as deportation flights continue at a pace of two to three per week. The Source Information in this story came from Tanggol Migrante, La Resistencia, and original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews. Travis Decker manhunt: 'Remote' areas of 5 WA counties told to lock doors Former Army squadmate shares insight into Travis Decker's military past Miles Hudson found guilty on 2 counts of reckless driving in Seattle Key figures from Bryan Kohberger's youth summoned to Idaho for student murders trial Rochester dog training facility owner accused of killing employee during video shoot To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Community rallies for WA father arrested at Tacoma ICE detention center
TACOMA, Wash. - A family vacation to the Philippines had a shocking end upon their return home to Washington state. Maximo Londonio, a Thurston County father, was arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by federal immigration agents on May 16. On Friday, his family, union members, and community supporters rallied outside the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma calling for his release. The same location recently released another Filipino green card holder, but not until after a months-long legal battle. What they're saying "I never thought I'd see the day that this sort of thing would happen in this country," said Steve Miller, directing business representative for the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 160. Londonio, 42, has lived in the United States since childhood. According to an online fundraiser set up by his loved ones, Londonio has a green card and is a longtime resident of Olympia. He is described as a loving father, devoted husband, hard worker, and provider. "He's a jovial presence everywhere he goes," said Richard Howard, president of IAM Local 695. "We'd like to see Max back in the shop. He's a shining light in the shop." Londonio is a member of the local union and has worked at Crown Cork and Seal in Lacey since 2017. "He is a well-respected and very well-liked employee. He's a lead forklift driver. Everybody likes him. He is a great guy," said Miller. According to the fundraiser, Londonio took his wife and young daughter to the Philippines to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. When the family returned to Washington on May 16, he was arrested by federal immigration agents at the airport. As the sole provider for his family, Londonio's supporters said they worried about the ripple effects of his arrest. "What is that going to do to his kids? What are they going to suffer? Are they going to suffer PTSD? They've seen their dad being arrested for no cause. What does that do for the Filipino community or any other community who now quite honestly may be afraid to do travel?" asked Miller. Local perspective Several of Londonio's colleagues traveled from Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties to participate in the rally. Some of them said they were stunned to hear of his arrest and made it their mission to stand in solidarity outside the detention center. The IAM Union issued a statement calling for Londonio's release. Howard said he was the first person on the job to learn about Londonio being taken into federal custody. "This kind of blew my mind. This is not what we were expecting. I've known Max for, I think, eight years now. We've worked together. And that was the call I got. It was just a complete shock," said Howard. Though the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not disclose the reason for Londonio's arrest, the fundraiser mentions he had a nonviolent conviction that was fully resolved when he was 19. "It's just not right. You know, what they're doing is just not right," said Miller. Now, Londonio's fellow union members are doing what they believe is right, by joining together to stand for one of their own. "An injury to one is an injury to all. So, right now, Max is detained and that's an injury to all of us. We'd like to get Max out and get him home so he can come back to work and hang out with his family more importantly than work," said Howard. Londonio's family said their legal battle has been "complex, urgent and costly." That's why the fundraiser was created to get any support they can. There is also a tentative plan to hold another rally for Londonio in early June. The Source Information in this story came from original FOX 13 Seattle interviews. Luxury Seattle hotel sues 'nuisance' building next door Firefighters in western WA train for possibility of 'above average' wildfire season Shawn Kemp lawyers claim bias in Tacoma Mall shooting case as trial nears Federal judge blocks Trump's dismantling of the Department of Education 'Where is Teekah?': Mother speaks out after Tacoma, WA cold case Activist marks 2 weeks in tree to protest logging near Port Angeles Driver arrested after deadly crash in Kent, WA To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
GMA Network
24-05-2025
- GMA Network
PH consulate in contact with Filipino green card holder detained in US
Los Angeles, CA - The Philippine Consulate General has been coordinating with US immigration authorities regarding the detention of 42-year-old Filipino green card holder Maximo Londonio. Londonio, who was returning to the US after a vacation in the Philippines, was intercepted by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and placed under administrative proceedings due to a 2002 conviction for grand theft. He is currently detained at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Facility in Tacoma. 'The Philippine Consulate has been notified of the arrest of Filipino nationals by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (CBP-SEA-TAC) and has verified their detention in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Tacoma, Washington (ICE-Tacoma)," the Philippine Consulate told GMA Integrated News in a message. "The Philippine Consulate, through its ATN (Assistance-to-Nationals) Section, and in cooperation with the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Portland, Oregon, has also been coordinating with U.S. immigration authorities to ensure that the detainees are treated in accordance with the law and that their rights are respected,' it added. Consulate representatives have also spoken with Londonio's family and are closely monitoring the progress of his case. 'The Consulate likewise remains committed to extending appropriate assistance to Filipino nationals across its jurisdiction regardless of immigration status, while respecting U.S. laws as well as individual privacy.' "Unfortunate" According to immigration lawyer and Bergenfield, New Jersey Mayor Arvin Amatorio, green card holders with prior convictions are not guaranteed protection from detention or deportation. 'It's unfortunate to hear about Maximo Londonio's predicament. Even if a conviction, such as the one he received in 2002, is over two decades old, U.S. immigration law can still consider it grounds for denial of entry or detention—especially for crimes involving moral turpitude,' Amatorio told GMA Integrated News in a message. 'If ICE considers his conviction a deportable offense, it will likely issue an NTA (Notice to Appear). The NTA is the charging document used in removal or deportation proceedings,' added Amatorio. For this reason, Amatorio advises green card or permanent resident holders to apply for naturalization as soon as they become eligible. 'For those in similar situations, I urge them not to hesitate and to explore naturalization if they meet the eligibility criteria. It can significantly impact their lives.' —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Green-Card Holder Who Came to US as Young Child Detained Returning to US
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Immigration officers detained a green-card holder who came to the United States as a child upon his return to the country after a vacation, his family said. Newsweek reached out to his family and Department of Homeland Security for comment via Facebook message and email. Why It Matters Maximo Londonio, who is from Washington state, is the latest green-card holder to be detained amid President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration. The detention of green-card holders—especially those with long-standing legal status in the United States—has raised alarms among immigrant communities and legal advocates, who warn that lawful residents with non-violent criminal records may be vulnerable to detention when returning to the U.S. after international travel as enforcement policies become more rigorous. A U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement agent monitors asylum seekers in New York City on June 6, 2023. A U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement agent monitors asylum seekers in New York City on June 6, 2023. DavidWhat To Know Londonio, a 42-year-old Olympia resident who was born in the Philippines and came to the U.S. when he was 12, was detained at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on May 15. The detainment came as he was returning home from a family trip to the Philippines, according to the Seattle Times. His family said he has not been convicted of any violent crimes. He was convicted on a felony charge of grand theft in 2002 and served a seven-month sentence in county jail in California, according to the report. Since then, his family has made several trips to the Philippines and has never faced more than 20 minutes of questioning by officers when returning to the U.S., according to the report. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson told Newsweek that anyone entering the U.S. is "subject to inspection" and that officers "routinely determine admissibility of foreign nationals using long-standing U.S. immigration law." "Lawful permanent residency for foreign citizens in the United States is a privilege," the spokesperson said. "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. Crimes involving moral turpitude include crimes such as grand theft and use and/or distribution of controlled substances." Londonio told his family on Monday that he was being transferred to the Northwest Detention Center, but the date of his next hearing remained unclear, the Seattle Times reported. This is at least the second case of a green-card holder being detained at the airport in Seattle. Lewelyn Dixon, a University of Washington lab technician and Filipino green-card holder, was stopped at the airport in February and remains in ICE custody. Dixon had a non-violent embezzlement conviction but did not serve any time, instead spending 30 days in a halfway house and paying a $6,400 fine. The Trump administration has warned that green-card holders must behave like a guest while in the country or risk removal. The Justice Department has argued in court that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has the authority to reconsider and potentially revoke green-card holders' lawful permanent residency at any time. What People Are Saying Crystal Londonio, Maximo's wife, during a press conference this week, per NBC News: "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." International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) President Brian Bryant, in a statement: "Like so many across our country, our IAM Union Brother Maximo is simply trying to be the best husband and father he can be and provide for his family. To our knowledge, there has been no evidence to support the U.S. government's continued detention of Maximo. We call for his immediate release." What Happens Next Londonio was reportedly scheduled for transfer to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma and awaits a hearing to determine his status and the next steps of his case. Advocacy organizations and his family members continue to press for his immediate release.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Filipino father with green card detained at Sea-Tac Airport, ICE facility bound
The Brief Maximo Londonio, a Filipino green card holder, has been detained at Sea-Tac Airport for the past five days. Londonio is a longtime legal immigrant, and faces possible transfer to an ICE facility due to past convictions. Advocacy groups and his union are calling for his release; ICE has not commented on the situation. SEATAC, Wash. - A local father and longtime legal immigrant has been held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for the past five days, and could be transferred to an ICE facility at any moment. The backstory According to the migrant-led campaign group "Tanggol Migrante Network," Filipino green card holder Maximo Londonio has been detained at Sea-Tac Airport since May 15, following a trip to the Philippines with his family. The group claims Londonio was taken in front of his wife and kids, and are demanding his release. They say he's only been fed instant noodles and feels forgotten. "The lack of accountability by the United States CBP is failing him right now; it's failing everybody. It's being taken from everyone that seeks refuge here; that seeks freedom; that seeks equality. I'm tired of waiting. I want him home," said Crystal, Max's wife, at a rally on Monday. Londonio has "older, non-violent convictions," the Tanggol Migrante Network acknowledged. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 695 confirmed Londonio is a lead forklift driver at a facility in Lacey, where he's worked since 2017. The union president released a statement calling for his release, and says they are working with their employer to maintain his job. Londonio's detainment comes months after Lewelyn Dixon, a Filipina lab technician at the University of Washington, was also taken away by Customs at Sea-Tac Airport. Dixon holds a green card, and was taken to the Northwest ICE Detention Center in Tacoma, possibly over an embezzlement conviction back in 2001. FOX 13 Seattle has reached out to ICE for comment on these cases and if Londonio has been transferred to ICE detention. We are waiting to hear back. The Source Information in this story is from the Tanggol Migrante Network and original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews. Is Tacoma's Teekah Lewis cold case finally coming to a close? Here's what we know Over 100 Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs stores to close, including 8 in WA Marymoor Park announces 2025 summer concert series lineup in Redmond, WA Olympia, WA man dies at Grand Canyon after lengthy hike Washington raising price of Discover Pass To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
