Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention of 76-Year-Old Green Card Holder with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer Sparks Health and Legal Concerns

Loreto Javar, a 76-year-old permanent resident originally from the Philippines, has been held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington since his arrest on June 23 during a U.S. citizenship interview in Tukwila. Javar was diagnosed with advanced (stage 4) prostate cancer earlier this year and also suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While in custody, he has missed two scheduled oncology appointments that occur on the 4th of each month, and a third appointment is set for September 4, a deadline that advocates say he may not meet because of his detention. An immigration judge granted an extension of his case to September 20.

Newsweek

Federal officials allege that Javar failed to disclose a 1970s criminal conviction in the Philippines that resulted in one death. According to ICE, the omission would have rendered him ineligible for his 1995 visa and therefore ineligible to remain in the United States now. Javar’s daughter, Daisy Javar, says he has renewed his green card without issue for more than three decades and has no criminal record in the United States.

The Guardian

The Tanggol Migrante Movement, a Filipino migrant-rights group, has organized an online petition demanding Javar’s release, noting that detention has interrupted his cancer treatment, caused a stomach blood clot, and led to delayed meals that complicate his medication schedule. The petition also criticizes the Seattle Philippine Consulate for promising but not delivering $300 for commissary supplies.

The Guardian

ICE maintains that Javar’s detention is based on the alleged failure to disclose his prior conviction, which they say violates immigration law. The agency has not provided a comment on the health-care concerns raised by his family or advocates.

The Guardian

• “He's getting medication and he needs to be eating on time. But the medications have been given on time, luckily.” — Loreto Javar, an ICE spokesperson

Newsweek

• “I just want them to treat people humanely,” — Loreto Javar, an ICE spokesperson

Newsweek

• “He's been languishing in the detention center and separated from his cancer treatment,” — Moe Cinco

Newsweek

• The petition claims Javar has developed a stomach blood clot, while ICE has not confirmed any medical condition beyond his known cancer diagnosis.

The Guardian

• The Seattle Philippine Consulate has not responded to repeated requests for assistance, leaving the extent of any official support unclear.

Newsweek

Javar’s case will be reviewed at a bond hearing scheduled later this month in Texas, which will determine whether he can be released while immigration proceedings continue. The upcoming oncology appointment on September 4 and the case-extension deadline of September 20 remain critical dates for his health and legal status.

Newsweek