ICE Releases Green Card Holder After 50 Years of Legal U.S. Residency

Key Takeaways

• Lewelyn Dixon, a 64-year-old green card holder, was detained over a 2001 embezzlement conviction despite completing her sentence.
• An immigration judge ruled Dixon’s conviction didn’t justify deportation; she was released after over three months in ICE detention.
• Current enforcement policies target green card holders with old convictions, increasing risks of mandatory detention and deportation.

On May 30, 2025, Lewelyn Dixon, a 64-year-old green card holder and University of Washington lab technician, walked out of ICE detention in Tacoma, Washington. She had spent over three months behind bars, separated from her family and her job, after being detained by immigration authorities upon her return from a trip to the Philippines. Dixon’s ordeal began because of a nonviolent embezzlement conviction from 2001—a crime for which she had already served her sentence and paid restitution more than two decades ago.

Her release, ordered by an immigration judge in Washington state, has drawn national attention and raised urgent questions about the treatment of long-term green card holders under current immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled that Dixon’s lawful permanent resident status, combined with the nature and age of her conviction, meant she did not qualify for deportation. This decision brought relief to Dixon and her family, but it also highlighted the risks faced by many other immigrants with similar backgrounds.

Why Was Lewelyn Dixon Detained?

Lewelyn Dixon’s case is not unique, but it is striking because of her deep roots in the United States 🇺🇸. She has lived legally in the country for more than 50 years, working as a lab technician at a respected university and building a life with her family. Yet, when she returned from visiting relatives in the Philippines in late February 2025, she was stopped by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the airport. They flagged her for a criminal conviction from 2001—an embezzlement case for which she had already completed her sentence and repaid the money owed.

Under current immigration law, green card holders with certain criminal convictions can be detained and placed in removal (deportation) proceedings, even if the offense happened many years ago and was nonviolent. The 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) expanded the list of crimes that can trigger mandatory detention and removal for noncitizens, including lawful permanent residents.

Dixon’s detention was triggered by this law and by the Trump administration’s ongoing push for stricter immigration enforcement. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the administration has prioritized the detention and deportation of noncitizens with any criminal record, regardless of how old or minor the offense may be.

The Detention Experience: “Horrific” and Overcrowded

During her more than three months in ICE detention, Lewelyn Dixon described the conditions as “horrific” and “super crowded.” She spoke about the emotional and physical toll of being locked up, far from her family and her job. Her story is a reminder that ICE detention can be a traumatic experience, especially for people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for most of their lives and have strong community ties.

Dixon’s family and supporters campaigned for her release, arguing that her legal permanent resident status and the age and nature of her conviction should have protected her from detention and deportation. Her attorney filed motions in immigration court, pointing out that Dixon had already paid her debt to society and had not committed any further offenses.

The Judge’s Decision: Lawful Permanent Resident Status Matters

On May 30, 2025, an immigration judge in Washington state ruled in Dixon’s favor. The judge found that her 2001 embezzlement conviction did not meet the threshold for mandatory removal under current law. Because Dixon is a lawful permanent resident—a green card holder—she has certain rights and protections that other noncitizens may not have.

The judge’s decision meant that Dixon could not be deported based on her old conviction. She was released from ICE detention and reunited with her family. Dixon is now eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, which her family says she intends to do as soon as possible.

Policy Context: Increased Enforcement and Legal Vulnerability

Lewelyn Dixon’s case comes at a time when immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸 is at a high point. The Trump administration has made it a priority to detain and deport noncitizens with any criminal record, including green card holders with decades-old, nonviolent offenses. There has been no formal change in the law specifically targeting green card holders with old convictions, but the administration’s enforcement priorities have led to more cases like Dixon’s.

Key facts:
– Detention duration: Over three months (late February to May 30, 2025)
– Age and residency: 64 years old, over 50 years in the United States 🇺🇸
– Conviction: Embezzlement, 2001; sentence served and restitution paid
– Employment: Lab technician at University of Washington
– Release date: May 30, 2025

Legal experts warn that long-term green card holders with old convictions are especially vulnerable when traveling internationally. Upon reentry, they may be classified as “arriving aliens” and subject to mandatory detention, even if their offenses are decades old and nonviolent. This risk is not always clear to green card holders, many of whom believe their status protects them from removal.

What Happens to Green Card Holders in Similar Situations?

Dixon’s story is a wake-up call for many lawful permanent residents. Here’s a step-by-step look at what can happen to green card holders with old convictions when they travel internationally:

1. Detention Trigger: When returning to the United States 🇺🇸 after international travel, green card holders with prior criminal convictions may be flagged by CBP officers at the port of entry.
2. Initial Detention: ICE may detain the individual and transfer them to a detention facility, sometimes far from their home or family.
3. Legal Review: The individual’s attorney can file motions to terminate removal proceedings if the conviction does not meet deportation criteria or if there were due process violations.
4. Immigration Court Hearing: A judge reviews the case, considering the person’s legal status, the details of the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.
5. Release or Removal: If the judge finds no grounds for removal, the person is released. If not, removal proceedings may continue.
6. Post-Release: If released, the individual may pursue naturalization if eligible, as Dixon now plans to do.

For more information on green card rights and naturalization eligibility, readers can visit the official USCIS website.

Legal and Emotional Impacts: Due Process and Family Separation

Dixon’s case has raised concerns about due process and the psychological impact of prolonged detention. Advocates and attorneys point out that ICE often fails to provide clear communication about why someone is being detained or how long they might be held. The uncertainty and fear can be overwhelming, especially for people with deep ties to the United States 🇺🇸.

Family members are often left in the dark, struggling to get information and support their loved ones. In Dixon’s case, her family and supporters worked tirelessly to secure her release, but not every family has the resources or knowledge to do the same.

The Importance of Naturalization

One of the most important lessons from Lewelyn Dixon’s experience is the value of U.S. citizenship. While green card holders have many rights, they are still vulnerable to detention and removal for certain criminal convictions, even if those convictions are old and nonviolent. U.S. citizens, on the other hand, cannot be deported for past criminal offenses.

Dixon’s family is now encouraging her to apply for citizenship, and legal experts recommend that all eligible green card holders consider naturalization as the best protection against removal. The process involves submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, attending an interview, and passing a civics and English test.

Broader Implications: Who Is at Risk?

Lewelyn Dixon’s story is not an isolated case. Many other green card holders have faced similar situations in recent years. The following table summarizes recent high-profile ICE detentions of green card holders:

Legal experts stress that lawful permanent residents are still at risk of detention and removal for old convictions, especially under current enforcement priorities. Advocacy groups have called for reforms to protect long-term residents with deep community ties, arguing that the current system is too harsh and does not take rehabilitation or time elapsed into account.

Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?

The roots of these policies go back to the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA). This law expanded the list of crimes that can trigger mandatory detention and removal for noncitizens, including green card holders. Even minor or old offenses can now lead to detention and possible deportation.

In recent years, the Trump administration has increased enforcement against all noncitizens with criminal records, regardless of rehabilitation or the amount of time that has passed since the offense. This has led to more cases like Dixon’s, where long-term residents with deep ties to the United States 🇺🇸 are suddenly detained and threatened with removal.

What Should Green Card Holders Do?

If you are a green card holder with a past criminal conviction, it is important to understand your rights and risks:

• Consult an immigration attorney before traveling internationally, especially if you have any criminal record, no matter how old or minor.
• Consider applying for U.S. citizenship if you are eligible. Citizenship offers the strongest protection against removal.
• Know your rights if detained by ICE. You have the right to contact an attorney and to have your case reviewed by an immigration judge.
• Stay informed about changes in immigration law and enforcement priorities.

For legal resources and attorney referrals, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a helpful starting point.

Perspectives from Stakeholders

• Lewelyn Dixon: After her release, Dixon expressed relief but also described the trauma of her detention. She called the conditions “horrific” and “super crowded,” and said the experience took a heavy toll on her well-being.
• Dixon’s Attorney: Argued that her legal permanent resident status and the age and nature of her conviction should have protected her from detention and deportation.
• Immigration Judge: Affirmed Dixon’s right to remain in the United States 🇺🇸 as a green card holder, ruling that her conviction did not meet the threshold for removal.
• ICE and CBP: Did not provide detailed public comment on the case but have stated that they are enforcing existing laws and that individuals with criminal records are subject to additional scrutiny upon reentry.
• Family and Supporters: Advocated for Dixon’s release and are now encouraging her to pursue U.S. citizenship.

The Push for Reform and the Future

Cases like Lewelyn Dixon’s have led to calls for reform of mandatory detention laws. Advocacy groups and some lawmakers argue that the current system is too rigid and does not allow for consideration of rehabilitation, family ties, or the amount of time that has passed since the offense. They are pushing for greater discretion in removal proceedings and for changes that would protect long-term residents from being detained and deported for old, nonviolent convictions.

With the Trump administration’s continued focus on mass deportations, legal experts warn that similar cases may become more common. Many green card holders are now seeking U.S. citizenship as a safeguard against removal.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Green card holders with old convictions are at risk of detention and removal, especially when traveling internationally.
• Naturalization is the best protection against removal for lawful permanent residents.
• Legal support is critical for anyone facing ICE detention or removal proceedings.
• Advocacy and reform efforts are ongoing to protect long-term residents with deep ties to the United States 🇺🇸.

If you or a loved one is facing a similar situation, seek legal advice immediately and consider starting the naturalization process if eligible. For more information on your rights and the naturalization process, visit the USCIS website.

Lewelyn Dixon’s story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by green card holders under current immigration policies. While her release is a victory, it also highlights the need for legal clarity, due process protections, and policy reforms to prevent similar detentions in the future. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the experiences of Dixon and others show that even long-term, law-abiding residents are not immune from the reach of immigration enforcement—and that citizenship remains the surest safeguard for those who call the United States 🇺🇸 home.

Learn Today

Green card → A document granting lawful permanent resident status to live and work permanently in the U.S.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for detaining and deporting noncitizens violating immigration laws.
Deportation → The legal removal of a noncitizen from the United States due to immigration violations or criminal convictions.
IIRIRA → The 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act expanding crimes that lead to mandatory detention and removal.
Naturalization → The legal process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen, gaining additional protections.

This Article in a Nutshell

Lewelyn Dixon’s detention highlights harsh immigration enforcement that detains green card holders for decades-old crimes. Her release shows the importance of legal protections and pursuing citizenship to avoid removal under strict policies.
— By VisaVerge.com