Migrant advocates decry ‘neglect’ of undocumented Filipinos in ICE detention
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NEW YORK – As fears of deportation loom over the undocumented Filipino community in the United States, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) finds itself at the center of a growing controversy.
Allegations from the advocacy group Tanggol Migrante regarding inadequate support for undocumented Filipinos have sparked a series of statements, raising questions about the responsibilities of the Philippine government abroad.
During a recent virtual press conference held Feb. 5, Tanggol Migrante activists highlighted the deteriorating conditions faced by detainees under Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Migrant advocates demand urgent support for Dhenmark Francisco and Jovi Esperanza, who were facing wrongful detention, raising their voices against deportation and for the rights of all migrants. Photo by BAYAN USA Northeast
Ligaya Jensen, a Filipina migrant who has spent over six years in detention, described a pervasive climate of fear and neglect. “Every single day, people are scared that their name will be called. We need empathy for our experiences; we are human beings too,” she told Tanggol Migrante during the conference.
Ligaya Jensen / CONTRIBUTED
In response to these claims, the DFA provided statements to Inquirer.net USA when it sought clarification on the matter.
DFA Spokesperson Amb. Tess Daza, from the Office of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs, questioned the validity of Tanggol Migrante’s assertions.
“It may be very easy for cause-oriented groups to make allegations… but what specific assistance was being requested and was withheld?” Daza stated, emphasizing that no individual Filipino had directly contacted the government for help.
Adding to this, the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago stated, “To date, we have not received any request for assistance from our kababayans regarding arrest and deportation,” said Consul General Melanie Diano in a statement provided to Inquirer.net USA.
“Per the Consulate’s inquiry with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) field office in Chicago, no Filipino national has been arrested and detained from its operations in Illinois.”
The Consulate also affirmed its readiness to assist affected Filipino nationals, ensuring their rights are protected. They encouraged those in need to call their emergency hotline at +1 (312) 810-3019 or access free legal consultation at +1 (312) 666-3062.
Meanwhile, the DFA clarified, “If the assistance being expected is for the Embassy or the Consulates to PREVENT the deportation of undocumented Filipinos… this simply does not fall under the mandate of the DFA.”
Daza noted the importance of adhering to international obligations, stating, “Expelling overstaying aliens is a sovereign right of all states.”
Advocates argue that the DFA’s stance is dismissive of the community’s struggles and an abdication of responsibility.
Angela Albay, a community organizer, pointed out the Consulate’s lack of engagement, noting that Jensen had never received a visit despite her prolonged incarceration. “We need our government to act,” she stated. “The silence is deafening.”
Jovi Esperanza and Dhenmark Francisco
Further illustrating the hardships faced by undocumented Filipinos, the case of Jovi Esperanza has emerged as a poignant example.
Jovi, 31, grew up in the Philippines, dreaming of a better future amid scarce job opportunities. He became one of the 2.16 million Filipinos working overseas, taking on service jobs in various states before becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in New Jersey.
In October 2024, while working at Crystal Lake Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Jovi was wrongfully arrested along with coworker Dhenmark Francisco after an incident involving a patient.
Jovi Esperanza and Dhenmark Francisco / CONTRIBUTED
Despite community support securing their release under certain conditions, ICE immediately detained them, transferring both men between multiple facilities across different states.
Since then, grassroots organizations and supporters have fought for justice, demanding the dropping of charges against Jovi and Dhenmark.
They have raised over $5,000 to cover legal fees and support, rallying outside ICE detention centers to protest the conditions they faced.
On Jan. 29, Jovi was forced to return to the Philippines, as the Philippine government provided no options or resources for his legal battle.
He expressed disappointment that the consulate had not advocated for his release. “Throughout the entire removal process, the Philippine consulate never lifted a finger,” Jovi said in a report released by Tanggol Migrante.
He and Dhenmark have yet to see the promised Legal Assistance Funds necessary for their defense.
As Jovi reflects on his journey, he remains determined to advocate for his fellow Filipinos. “I want to shed light on how Filipinos are deceived into becoming cheap labor under the guise of J-1 visa programs,” he stated, echoing the sentiments of many who are compelled to leave the Philippines in search of better opportunities.
In light of Jovi’s case and others like it, the disconnect between the DFA’s claims and the lived realities of undocumented Filipinos raises questions about the adequacy of the Philippine government’s response.
Kort M. Lee, an attorney with the Mission to End Modern Day Slavery Legal Network, emphasized the need for collaboration between community organizers and legal advocates to address the injustices faced by migrants. “The vital need for coordination cannot be overstated,” he stated.
As the dialogue continues, the Philippine government faces pressure to take decisive action.
With an estimated 370,000 undocumented Filipinos in the U.S. as of 2024, the stakes are high. While some members of the Filipino community advocate for stricter immigration laws, many express sympathy for those who find themselves vulnerable under current policies.
‘No one is safe’
Genevieve Jopanda, a Filipina-American civic leader based in San Francisco, articulated the anxiety permeating the community.
“We believe that no one is safe,” she told the Straits Times, reflecting the sentiments of many who live under the threat of deportation.
As the situation unfolds, the relationship between Tanggol Migrante and the DFA remains tense.
Advocates continue to demand accountability and support, urging the Philippine government to balance diplomatic obligations with the urgent needs of its citizens abroad.
The voices of the undocumented and the actions of the DFA will ultimately shape the future of Filipino migrants in the United States, and the outcome remains uncertain.
