As people of faith, we are called to defend the dignity of all people regardless of immigration status. The current treatment of our immigrant brothers and sisters in detention and targeted and unlawful deportations by the current administration are an assault on human dignity that directly violates our values and beliefs. This is happening in and to our communities, and we cannot be silent.

“KUYA G” (GREGGY SORIO) CASE CONTEXT

Greggy Valerio Sorio, or “Kuya G,” a Filipino green card holder, was detained by ICE on March 1, 2025 and transferred to the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma. During months of detention, he experienced severe medical neglect, leading to hospitalization, a bone infection requiring amputation of his pinky toe, and diagnosis with ulcerative colitis, a life-threatening illness that can progress to colon cancer without continuous treatment. Throughout his health crisis, the Philippine Consulate failed to advocate for his safety or rights, including failing to visit detained Filipinos during its Tacoma outreach.

On December 7, ICE denied Kuya G’s Stay of Removal, even after his lawyer submitted 18 pages of medical evidence showing he was unfit to travel. ICE coordinated closely with the Philippine Consulate, which rushed production of a new passport and travel documents, and scheduled Kuya G for deportation on a 15-hour Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight that evening.

In response, hundreds of Filipinos mobilized nationwide: an overnight encampment at NWDC, a hunger strike, and actions at the Philippine Ambassador’s residence in D.C. and the SF Consulate demanding medical care—not deportation. Medical professionals intervened directly at SeaTac Airport, warning PAL of the extreme risks of flight including cardiac arrest, pulmonary embolism, massive blood loss, respiratory distress, and possible death. PAL found Kuya G medically unfit to fly — and minutes before takeoff, he was removed from the plane due entirely to people power and community action.

On December 8, Kuya G and his legal team secured a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) blocking ICE from deporting or transferring him for two weeks. This window must be used to press for his immediate hospitalization, release from detention, and safe recovery on his own terms — whether returning to Alaska, remaining in Washington, or traveling when medically stable.

Despite this victory, ICE continues to intimidate Kuya G with renewed deportation threats, even after he was deemed medically unfit to fly. The danger to his life remains real — and sustained community pressure remains critical.

CALL TO ACTION: Write a letter to reach out to congressionally elected official to hold ICE and the NWDC accountable by advocating for the immediate and permanent release of Kuya G from ICE custody and to immediately visit the NWDC to discuss and observe medical treatment of detained individuals!