Maximo Londonio, green card holder, detained by CBP at SeaTac Airport

Key Takeaways

• Maximo Londonio, a Filipino green card holder, was detained May 15, 2025, at SeaTac Airport for old convictions.
• CBP’s ‘black box’ detains travelers with limited transparency, no family or local official notifications.
• Green card holders face detention risks for minor old offenses; legal advice and citizenship can offer protection.

Two Filipino Green Card Holders Detained in CBP “Black Box” at SeaTac Airport: What Happened, Why It Matters, and What Immigrants Need to Know

Two legal green card holders, both Filipino men, were detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) in mid-May 2025. The most prominent case is that of Maximo “Max” Londonio, a 42-year-old long-term U.S. resident, union member, and father of three. Londonio’s detention, which lasted at least five days in a CBP holding area known as a “black box,” has raised serious questions about transparency, due process, and the rights of legal permanent residents at U.S. ports of entry.

This article explains what happened to Maximo Londonio at SeaTac Airport, why CBP has such broad authority, how these detentions affect immigrant families and communities, and what steps green card holders should take to protect themselves. We also look at the broader policy debate and what may come next.

Who Was Detained, When, and Where?

Maximo “Max” Londonio, a Filipino-born legal permanent resident, was detained by CBP officers at SeaTac Airport on May 15, 2025. Londonio had just returned from a family vacation in the Philippines with his wife, Crystal, and their 12-year-old daughter. According to his family and union, Londonio has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 since he was 12 years old, is married to a U.S. citizen, and is a well-liked lead forklift driver at Crown Cork & Seal in Lacey, Washington.

Londonio was held in a CBP holding area at SeaTac Airport for at least five days. This area is often called a “black box” because of its lack of transparency—family members, local officials, and even legal counsel are usually not notified or allowed access. As of May 21, 2025, Londonio had been transferred to another facility, likely the Northwest ICE Detention Center in Tacoma, and was awaiting an immigration hearing.

A second Filipino green card holder, Rodante “Dante” Rivera, was also reportedly detained, but details about his case have not been made public.

Why Was Maximo Londonio Detained?

CBP has the authority to inspect all travelers, including green card holders, when they enter the United States. According to CBP’s statement, all arriving foreign nationals are subject to inspection and admissibility determinations under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which lists over 60 grounds of inadmissibility. These grounds include a wide range of criminal offenses, even if they happened decades ago and have since been resolved.

Londonio’s detention appears to be related to old, nonviolent criminal convictions. Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups say that even minor or very old offenses can trigger detention and possible removal proceedings for green card holders. This is especially true if the person has not become a U.S. citizen.

CBP has not released specific details about Londonio’s case, citing federal privacy laws. However, the agency insists that all actions are in accordance with U.S. law and national security priorities.

What Is the “Black Box” at SeaTac Airport?

The term “black box” refers to the opaque and secretive nature of CBP’s holding areas at airports like SeaTac. When someone is detained, they are often held in a secure area with little or no communication allowed with family, lawyers, or local officials. There is no requirement for CBP to notify local authorities or the detainee’s family, and access to phone calls or legal counsel is often delayed or denied.

Port of Seattle Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa expressed deep concern over this lack of notification and transparency, stating, “We are not notified when someone is detained, and we cannot intervene in immigration enforcement decisions. Still, we believe in accountability, and we will continue to ask questions on behalf of the public.”

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs also called the situation “unsettling and unfortunate,” noting that his office was unaware of the detentions during a commemorative event at SeaTac.

How Does the Detention Process Work for Green Card Holders?

Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens when a green card holder is detained at a U.S. port of entry like SeaTac Airport:

1. Primary Inspection: All travelers, including green card holders, are inspected by CBP officers upon arrival.
2. Secondary Inspection/Detention: If a traveler is flagged—often because of a criminal record, even if it’s old or resolved—they may be taken to a secondary inspection area or holding facility.
3. Interview and Review: CBP officers review the person’s records, ask questions, and may consult with supervisors or legal counsel.
4. Notification (or Lack Thereof): Family and local officials are usually not notified. Detainees may have limited or delayed access to phone calls or legal representation.
5. Transfer to ICE: If CBP decides the person is inadmissible or removable, they may issue a Notice to Appear before an immigration judge and transfer the person to ICE custody for further proceedings.
6. Immigration Hearing: The person waits for a hearing before an immigration judge, where they can contest removal and ask for relief, such as cancellation of removal or waivers.

For official information on CBP inspection and admissibility, visit the CBP website.

What Are the Legal and Policy Issues?

Broad Discretionary Powers

CBP has broad discretionary powers at ports of entry. Under the INA, green card holders can be found inadmissible or removable for a wide range of offenses, including old or minor convictions—even if they have traveled without problems in the past. There has been no recent policy change targeting green card holders, but the law gives CBP wide authority to act.

Lack of Transparency and Due Process

The lack of notification to local officials, family, and legal counsel—and the secretive nature of the “black box” holding area—has raised serious due process and human rights concerns. Families often have no idea where their loved ones are or why they have been detained. Local officials, like those at the Port of Seattle, have no jurisdiction or notification rights regarding CBP detentions at the airport.

Chilling Effect on Immigrant Travel

The incident has caused fear and anxiety among green card holders, especially in the Filipino community, about traveling internationally. Many worry they could be detained and possibly deported over old, nonviolent convictions—even if those issues were resolved long ago and did not previously cause problems during travel.

Family and Community Impact

Londonio’s wife, Crystal, and advocacy groups like Tanggol Migrante have organized rallies and demanded his release. The emotional and psychological toll on the family is severe, and the case has sparked fear and anger in the broader Filipino community.

What Do Experts and Advocates Say?

Immigration attorneys warn that green card holders with any criminal record—no matter how old or minor—are at risk of detention and removal at the border, especially if they have not naturalized as U.S. citizens. Michael Gurfinkel, a well-known immigration lawyer, has emphasized the importance of seeking legal advice before traveling if you have any criminal history.

Advocacy groups such as Tanggol Migrante and the IAMAW Union have called for greater transparency, due process, and protection for long-term residents and their families. They argue that people like Maximo Londonio, who have lived in the U.S. for decades and have deep family and community ties, should not face sudden detention and possible deportation over old offenses.

Media and community leaders have widely covered the case, with calls for both U.S. and Philippine authorities to intervene and protect the rights of legal permanent residents.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these types of detentions are not new, but they have become more visible and controversial as advocacy groups and the media highlight individual cases.

What Are the Next Steps for Maximo Londonio?

As of May 21, 2025, Maximo Londonio is in ICE custody, likely at the Northwest ICE Detention Center in Tacoma, and is awaiting an immigration hearing. At this hearing, he can contest his removal and ask for relief, such as cancellation of removal or a waiver. The outcome will depend on the specific facts of his case, his criminal history, and the arguments made by his legal counsel.

Londonio’s family, union, and advocacy groups continue to push for his release and for policy changes to protect other long-term residents from similar treatment.

What Should Green Card Holders Do to Protect Themselves?

If you are a green card holder, especially if you have any criminal history (even if it is old or minor), consider these steps before traveling internationally:

• Consult an immigration attorney before leaving the United States. An attorney can review your record and advise you on possible risks.
• Apply for U.S. citizenship if you are eligible. U.S. citizens cannot be deported for old criminal convictions.
• Carry documentation showing the resolution of any past offenses, such as court records or legal opinions.
• Inform family and friends of your travel plans and provide them with contact information for an immigration attorney.
• Know your rights at the border. You have the right to remain silent and to request legal counsel, although access may be delayed.
• If detained, try to contact your family or attorney as soon as possible. Ask for a Notice to Appear and the reason for your detention.

For more information on your rights and the inspection process, visit the CBP official website.

Policy Debate and Calls for Reform

The detention of Maximo Londonio has reignited calls for legislative and administrative reforms to protect long-term residents from summary detention and removal, and to improve transparency and due process at ports of entry. Advocacy and community groups are likely to continue pressuring both U.S. and Philippine authorities for intervention and policy change.

Local officials, including those at the Port of Seattle, have called for greater accountability and transparency from CBP. However, under current law, local authorities have no jurisdiction or notification rights regarding CBP detentions at airports.

Community Response and Broader Impact

Londonio’s case has sparked rallies, media coverage, and community organizing. Advocacy groups like Tanggol Migrante have highlighted the emotional and psychological toll on families and the chilling effect on immigrant travel. The IAMAW Union, which represents Londonio at his workplace, has confirmed his employment and described him as a dedicated worker.

The case has also drawn attention from international media and community leaders, with calls for both U.S. and Philippine authorities to intervene.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Official Contacts and Resources

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): cbp.gov | 1-877-227-5511
• Northwest ICE Processing Center (Tacoma): ice.gov/detention-facility/tacoma-northwest-detention-center
• Port of Seattle: portseattle.org | (206) 787-3000
• Tanggol Migrante (Advocacy Group): tanggolmigrante.org

Takeaways and Practical Guidance

• Green card holders can be detained and face removal for old or minor convictions, even after decades of lawful residence.
• CBP has broad authority at ports of entry and is not required to notify local officials or family members.
• If you have any criminal history, consult an immigration attorney before traveling internationally.
• Community and advocacy groups are pushing for greater transparency, due process, and policy reform.
• Stay informed and prepared—know your rights and have a plan in case of detention.

The outcome of Maximo Londonio’s immigration hearing and the broader response from officials and advocacy groups will be closely watched in the coming weeks. For the latest updates and analysis, VisaVerge.com reports that cases like Londonio’s highlight the urgent need for reform and better protection for long-term U.S. residents.

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Learn Today

Green Card Holder → A lawful permanent resident authorized to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely with a card as proof.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection) → U.S. federal agency responsible for border inspections, immigration enforcement, and customs at ports of entry.
Black Box → A secretive CBP detention area at airports where detainees have limited access to family or lawyers.
INA (Immigration and Nationality Act) → Federal law governing immigration, including grounds for inadmissibility and deportation of non-citizens.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → U.S. agency responsible for detaining and deporting individuals deemed inadmissible or removable.

This Article in a Nutshell

Two Filipino green card holders were detained at SeaTac Airport’s opaque CBP holding area in May 2025. Maximo Londonio’s case highlights concerns over due process, transparency, and how old convictions can threaten long-term residents. Advocates urge legal counsel and citizenship to safeguard immigrant rights and family unity.
— By VisaVerge.com

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