Family members, friends, and members of the Tanggol Migrante Movement celebrated the release of Kuya G from the NorthWest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington on February 13. The court granted the habeas corpus petition filed by his lawyers. He had been imprisoned for more than 11 months in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
The court ruled that ICE’s gross neglect of Kuya G had caused serious damage to his health and resulted in permanent disability. He lost a toe and part of his foot while in detention. He was also subjected to inhumane conditions that violated the U.S. Constitution, and the court ruled for his immediate release.
According to TMM, this victory became possible because of the relentless campaigning and countless contributions of the community, migrant workers, organizations, unions, and lawyers who joined Kuya G’s fight for freedom.
“As we celebrate today, we will not forget the Philippine government and Bernice Santayana, Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Officer, for failing to defend Kuya G’s welfare and for colluding with ICE and Geo Group to expedite his attempted deportation on December 7, 2025,” the TMM explained.
“TMM remains firm in continuing the struggle for all detained and distressed Filipinos and in pushing for the resignation of ATN Officer Bernice Santayana. All government agencies and officials must be held accountable for their criminal neglect of the health and welfare of detained Filipinos,” the group declared.
