Filipino green card holder nabbed after PH vacation has been released

Filipino green card holder Maximo Londonio, who was arrested by the US Customs and Border Protection at an airport in Seattle after a vacation in the Philippines due to a 2002 grand theft conviction, has been released.

This was confirmed by the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, which said that Londonio was released on Saturday (Philippine time) after the Immigration Court granted the petition filed by his attorney to terminate the deportation process against him.

“The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco welcomes the decision of the Immigration Court in granting the petition of Mr. Maximo Londonio, Filipino national, for the termination of the immigration proceedings against him and ordering his release," said the Philippine Consulate.

The Consulate said it closely monitored and supported Londonio’s case to ensure that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upheld his rights and followed due process.

"Consulate representatives were present at the Northwest ICE Processing Center today to attend his hearing to provide support and monitor the outcome of his case," added the Philippine Consulate.

Londonio was tearfully welcomed by his family as he walked out of the Northwest ICE Processing Center, shortly after the immigration judge issued the release order.

“The Consulate rejoices with his family for this favorable outcome and thanks the members of the community who strongly supported him during the entire period of his detention. The Consulate also thanks his lawyer for the very able legal representation provided for Mr. Londonio,” it added.

The IAM Local 2202 Union, of which Londonio is a member, also welcomed the judge’s decision. The union had supported and stood by him throughout his detention and legal battle. —VAL, GMA Integrated News