Key facts
- Loreto Javar, a 76-year-old permanent US resident with stage four prostate cancer, is being held in ICE detention.
- Javar was detained in June during a US citizenship interview.
- ICE alleges Javar failed to disclose a past criminal conviction from the Philippines when applying for his visa in 1995.
- Javar has no criminal history in the US and has held permanent residency for over 30 years.
- His cancer treatment has been interrupted due to his detention, and he has missed oncology appointments.
A 76-year-old man with permanent US residency and stage four prostate cancer is being held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention in Tacoma, Washington, despite his deteriorating health and lack of criminal history in the United States. Loreto Javar, a Filipino national who moved to the US in 1995, was detained in June during a US citizenship interview. Federal officials allege Javar failed to disclose a criminal conviction from the Philippines, where he reportedly served jail time in the 1970s, when he initially applied for a visa. Javar's daughter, Daisy Javar, stated that her father has renewed his green card multiple times without issue and has no criminal record in the US. She also mentioned that he obtained police clearance from the Philippines for his visa application. Javar's cancer treatment has been interrupted since his detention, leading to missed oncology appointments and the development of a stomach blood clot. His daughter also reported delays in meal delivery, complicating his medication schedule. An online petition by the Tanggol Migrante Movement calls for his release, citing the interruption of his critical cancer treatment. The petition also notes a lack of concrete support from the Seattle Philippine Consulate, which reportedly failed to fulfill promises of assistance. The detention occurs amid a broader campaign of mass deportations under the Trump administration, with a Guardian analysis indicating that many individuals entering deportation proceedings have no criminal convictions.