San francisco: Senator Raffy Tulfo on Monday warned that Filipinos in the United States, including green card holders, could face detention and deportation over past criminal offenses-even minor ones-amid stricter immigration enforcement. Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, issued the warning following his courtesy visit to the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco where he was briefed on recent US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo highlighted that even if individuals have already served their sentences, some were still arrested when attempting to re-enter the US, either at the airport or the border. He emphasized that Filipino immigrants with prior convictions, including for minor infractions like traffic violations, can be flagged during routine ID checks, potentially leading to detention by ICE.

Consulate officials confirmed that 17 Filipinos have recently been detained by ICE. Five have been released while three have already been deported. Most of the detainees had criminal records. The San Francisco consulate covers a wide area, including Northern California, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Officials reported that 55 Filipinos with pending criminal cases are currently in detention, including two on death row. Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer assured Tulfo that the consulate is providing legal and welfare support through the Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) fund. He also dispelled fake news that dual citizens are at risk, stressing that there is no need for them to renounce their Filipino citizenship.

Tulfo's visit coincided with a dual citizenship oath-taking ceremony, where he witnessed Filipinos formally reacquire their Filipino nationality.