TJ Manotoc

Filipino detained not part of raids, Philippine Consulate clarifies; LA protests escalate amid Trump’s National Guard deployment

Filipinos joined the ICE protests in Los Angeles

Article (news)

Cheyenne Suarez

Filipino detained not part of ICE raids, Consulate clarifies; LA protests grow as Trump deploys National Guard

<div>[[PHOTO ALBUM]]</div><p>Los Angeles – A Filipino immigrant was recently arrested by ICE in Los Angeles, but Philippine officials confirm it was not part of the highly publicized Home Depot raid that has sparked widespread protests. According to Philippine Consulate General Adel Cruz, the individual was arrested at home, accompanied by his parole officer, due to prior felony convictions.</p><div><br/></div><p>“He was not part of that Home Depot raid that was well publicized on social media,” Consul General Cruz said in an interview with ABS-CBN News. “He was arrested because he was convicted of two crimes, and he was arrested at home.” He stressed that the Filipino is not undocumented and that “he is an immigrant” with legal grounds for deportation under U.S. law.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKsl-HdyLfu/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1670574%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1377" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Consul General Cruz explained that the consulate immediately reached out to the individual’s family and secured his ICE registration number. “We were able to get his number, and basically we know where he is,” he said. He also clarified that even permanent residents or green card holders can face arrest if they have an outstanding felony conviction. “Once you have a felony charge, convicted of a crime, regardless of how many years ago it was… you are a candidate for deportation, even if you served the time.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Meanwhile, protests continue to escalate across Los Angeles County, fueled by anger over the ICE raids and former President Trump’s unilateral deployment of about 2,000 National Guard troops—without California’s consent. Trump’s comments calling protesters “insurrectionists” have further inflamed the situation, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to label the deployment “a serious breach of state sovereignty” and file a lawsuit alongside California Attorney General Rob Bonta, himself a Filipino American born in the Philippines.</p><div><br/></div><p>In a statement, the Tanggol Migrante Network joined the protests, denouncing the “horrific immigration raids” and calling them “despicable acts that must be immediately put to an end.” The group underscored that Filipino migrant workers are among those at risk in Southern California, given their crucial roles in the local economy. “While we know that the recent raids strike fear in the hearts of many of us, we also know that our best protection is in our coming together as a community to defend each other,” the statement read.</p><div><br/></div><p>Consul General Cruz offered advice to Filipinos in LA amid the unrest, urging them to remain vigilant and avoid conflict areas. “We immediately came out with an advisory to the Filipino American community, advising our kababayans to remain vigilant, be cautious, avoid all these areas of conflict,” he said. He added that so far, no Filipinos have been involved in the protests.</p><div><br/></div><p>For those traveling to the U.S. this summer, including many Filipinos visiting for Independence Month activities, Consul General Cruz assured them it’s safe to continue with travel plans. “Please, I recommend you push through with your plans,” he said. “These protests have been happening in pockets. It’s not happening all over LA County. Second, we’ve also advised our kababayans that whenever you travel, please carry your green card with you. If you are a tourist, you have your passport with you. Take a picture of your passport. Take a picture of your visa. Again, I’d like to make it clear that LAPD does not go around asking you about your status. It’s just a matter of precaution.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Filipinos with concerns about immigration status are advised to stay calm and seek proper legal counsel if needed. The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles remains on standby 24/7 for emergencies and assistance at (323) 528‑1528.</p>

<p>A Filipino immigrant was recently arrested by ICE in Los Angeles, but Consul General Adel Cruz says it was not part of the Home Depot raid. The individual was arrested at home with a parole officer for past felony convictions.</p>

A Filipino immigrant was recently arrested by ICE in Los Angeles, but Consul General Adel Cruz says it was not part of the Home Depot raid. The individual was arrested at home with a parole officer for past felony convictions.