Tulfo Warns Filipinos With Past Offenses of US Detention Risk

Key Takeaways

• ICE detained 17 Filipinos since January 2025; 5 released, 3 deported amid stricter immigration enforcement.
• New U.S. policies allow expedited removal nationwide and daily arrest quotas, increasing deportation risks for minor offenses.
• Filipinos with past convictions advised to review records, consult lawyers, and avoid risky travel to protect themselves.

Filipinos in the United States 🇺🇸 Face Heightened Detention and Deportation Risks for Past Offenses

Filipinos living in the United States 🇺🇸, including those with green cards, are now facing a much higher risk of being detained or deported for any past criminal offenses—even for minor issues like traffic violations. This warning comes directly from Senator Raffy Tulfo, who spoke out on June 30, 2025, after his official visit to the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco. The senator’s message is clear: the U.S. government has stepped up immigration enforcement, and Filipinos with any criminal history are now at greater risk than ever before.

This article explains what’s happening, why it matters, and what Filipinos with past offenses should do right now to protect themselves and their families.

Why Are Filipinos at Greater Risk Now?

The main reason for this increased risk is a series of new U.S. government policies and actions that began in January 2025. These changes have made immigration enforcement much stricter and have removed many of the protections that immigrants used to rely on. According to Senator Raffy Tulfo, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has started targeting Filipinos with past convictions, even if those convictions were for minor offenses or happened many years ago.

During his visit to the San Francisco consulate, Senator Tulfo learned that ICE has recently detained 17 Filipinos, with 5 released and 3 already deported. Most of those detained had some kind of criminal record. There are also 55 Filipinos with pending criminal cases currently in detention, including two on death row, within the consulate’s area (which covers Northern California, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming).

What Has Changed in U.S. Immigration Enforcement?

Several major policy changes have taken place in 2024 and 2025 that affect all immigrants, but especially those with any criminal history:

• Nationwide Expedited Removal: The U.S. government has expanded a process called “expedited removal,” which allows for quick deportation of immigrants without a full court hearing. This now applies across the entire country, not just near the border.
• Daily Arrest Quotas: ICE officers now have daily arrest targets, which means they are under pressure to detain more people each day.
• Enforcement at Sensitive Locations: ICE can now make arrests at places that used to be off-limits, like schools and hospitals.
• Local Police Involvement: More local police departments are joining the 287(g) program, which lets them help enforce federal immigration laws during routine stops, like traffic checks.
• Fewer Legal Protections: Many programs that used to protect immigrants—such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and some family-based immigration options—are being restricted or ended.
• Stricter Screening: All visa applicants and foreign nationals now face tougher background checks and screening. There is also a new travel ban system that could be expanded to include more countries, including the Philippines 🇵🇭 if tensions rise.
• Higher Deportation Goals: The U.S. government has set a goal to deport one million immigrants every year, which is more than three times the previous record.

These changes mean that even small mistakes from the past can now lead to detention or deportation, especially if they show up during a routine ID check or when re-entering the United States 🇺🇸.

How Are Filipinos Being Affected?

Recent Detentions and Deportations

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco has reported a sharp increase in the number of Filipinos being detained by ICE. In recent months:

• 17 Filipinos were detained; 5 have since been released, and 3 have already been deported.
• 55 Filipinos with pending criminal cases are currently in detention, including 2 on death row.
• Most of those detained had some kind of criminal record, but not all offenses were serious—some were as minor as traffic violations.

Minor Offenses Can Trigger Detention

One of the most worrying changes is that even minor offenses, like traffic tickets or small infractions, can now lead to detention or deportation. If a Filipino is stopped by police for any reason, and their record shows a past offense, ICE can be notified and may take action—even if the person has already served their sentence or the offense happened years ago.

Risk at Re-Entry

Filipinos who travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 and try to return may also be detained at the border if they have any past criminal record. This risk applies even to those who have lived in the U.S. for many years and have been lawful residents.

What Should Filipinos with Past Offenses Do?

Given the current situation, it is very important for Filipinos with any past criminal conviction—no matter how minor—to take steps to protect themselves. Here’s what experts and officials recommend:

1. Review Your Records

• Check your criminal and immigration records to see if there are any past offenses that could put you at risk.
• If you’re not sure what’s on your record, ask for a copy from the police or court where the incident happened.

2. Consult an Immigration Attorney

• Talk to a lawyer who specializes in immigration law if you have any kind of criminal record.
• Even if your offense was minor or happened a long time ago, a lawyer can explain your risks and help you prepare.
• Legal advice is especially important before traveling outside the United States 🇺🇸 or applying for any immigration benefit.

3. Stay Informed

• Follow updates from the Philippine consulate and U.S. immigration authorities. Policies and enforcement practices can change quickly.
• The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco regularly posts updates and advice for Filipinos in the U.S.

4. Know Your Rights During Police Stops

• If you are stopped by police or ICE, stay calm and do not resist.
• You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.
• If you are detained, ask to contact your nearest Philippine consulate for help.

5. Avoid Risky Travel

• If you have a past offense, think carefully before traveling outside the U.S. or re-entering the country. Border checks are a common time for ICE to detain people with criminal records.
• If you must travel, talk to an immigration lawyer first.

6. Contact the Consulate for Help

• The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and other regional consulates offer legal and welfare support for detained Filipinos.
• If you or someone you know is detained, contact the consulate immediately. They can provide assistance through the Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) fund.

For more information about your rights and how to find legal help, you can visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official website.

What About Dual Citizens?

There has been some confusion in the Filipino community about whether dual citizens are at risk. The consulate has made it clear that dual citizens are not at risk of detention or deportation just because they hold Filipino citizenship. There is no need to renounce Filipino citizenship if you are a dual citizen. This is important to know, as misinformation has caused unnecessary fear for some families.

Why Is This Happening Now?

The current U.S. administration has made immigration enforcement a top priority. Since January 2025, President Biden’s team has issued several executive orders and supported new laws that make it easier for ICE to detain and deport immigrants with any criminal history. These changes are part of a larger effort to increase deportations and limit legal immigration.

Some of the key changes include:

• Expanding expedited removal to cover the whole country.
• Setting daily arrest quotas for ICE officers.
• Allowing enforcement at sensitive locations like schools and hospitals.
• Increasing local police involvement through 287(g) agreements.
• Restricting or ending programs like TPS and DACA.
• Introducing stricter screening for all visa applicants and foreign nationals.
• Setting a goal to deport one million immigrants each year.

These policies are designed to make it easier for the government to find and remove immigrants with any kind of criminal record, no matter how small.

What Are the Implications for Filipinos and Their Families?

For Individuals

• Any Filipino with a past criminal conviction is at risk of detention or deportation, even if the offense was minor or happened years ago.
• Routine police stops or ID checks can lead to ICE notification and detention.
• Traveling outside the U.S. and trying to return can trigger detention at the border.

For Families

• Families may be separated if a loved one is detained or deported.
• Children who are U.S. citizens may lose a parent or caregiver.
• The fear of detention can cause stress and anxiety for entire families.

For the Community

• Many Filipinos may avoid public places, schools, or hospitals out of fear of being detained.
• Some may stop using important services, like health care or legal aid, because they are afraid of being reported to ICE.
• Community organizations and consulates are working hard to provide accurate information and support.

What Support Is Available?

Consular Support

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, led by Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer, is providing legal and welfare support to detained Filipinos. The consulate uses the Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) fund to help those in need. They also offer advice and information to the wider Filipino community.

Legal Support

• Immediate legal help is critical for anyone detained by ICE.
• The consulate can help connect families with lawyers and provide other support.
• Community organizations and immigration advocacy groups also offer resources and assistance.

Official Resources

• The ICE Detainee Locator can help families find out where a detained loved one is being held.
• The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco provides updates, contact information, and support services.

What Do Experts and Advocates Say?

Consular officials stress the importance of getting legal help and not believing false rumors about dual citizenship. Immigration advocates warn that the new enforcement policies are causing fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities. Many people are withdrawing from public life and avoiding essential services because they are afraid of being detained.

U.S. policy analysts say that the current enforcement regime is the strictest in recent history. They expect these policies to continue or even get tougher, especially if new laws like the Nuclear Family Priority Act and Project 2025 are passed.

What Might Happen Next?

Several bills are moving through Congress that could make immigration laws even stricter and give more money to enforcement agencies. Experts warn that if diplomatic or economic tensions between the United States 🇺🇸 and the Philippines 🇵🇭 increase, the Philippines 🇵🇭 could be added to future travel ban lists.

Some of the new executive orders are being challenged in court, especially those related to birthright citizenship and refugee admissions. However, enforcement is continuing while the courts decide.

Step-by-Step Guidance for At-Risk Filipinos

Here’s a simple checklist for Filipinos who may be at risk:

1. Review your criminal and immigration records.
2. Consult an immigration attorney if you have any past conviction.
3. Stay updated with news from the consulate and U.S. immigration authorities.
4. If detained, ask for consular notification and legal help right away.
5. Be cautious about traveling internationally or re-entering the U.S. if you have a record.

Final Thoughts and Practical Takeaways

The situation for Filipinos with past offenses in the United States 🇺🇸 has changed quickly and dramatically. Even minor offenses from years ago can now lead to detention or deportation. Senator Raffy Tulfo’s warning is based on real cases and official reports from the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.

If you or someone you know is affected, take action now:

• Check your records.
• Get legal advice.
• Stay informed.
• Reach out to the consulate for help.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to be prepared, know your rights, and seek help as soon as possible. The rules are changing fast, and the risks are real, but support is available for those who need it.

For official information and updates, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website. If you need help, contact your nearest Philippine consulate right away.

Learn Today

Expedited Removal → A fast deportation process without full court hearings, now applied nationwide by U.S. immigration authorities.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, agency responsible for immigration detentions and deportations.
287(g) Program → A partnership allowing local police to enforce federal immigration laws during routine stops.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A U.S. immigration status protecting eligible nationals from deportation due to unsafe conditions in their home countries.
Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Fund → Consular fund providing legal and welfare support to detained Filipino nationals abroad.

This Article in a Nutshell

Filipinos in the U.S. face heightened detention risks for past offenses due to expanded ICE enforcement, including minor crimes. Recent policy changes enable quick deportations nationwide, reaching even dual citizens. Legal advice and consular support are critical to safeguard rights amid increasing arrests and travel scrutiny in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com