Key Takeaways
• Two Filipino green card holders detained at Seattle airport due to decades-old criminal convictions in 2025.
• U.S. laws on crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs) allow deportation despite long-term residency.
• Legal experts advise green card holders with records to seek citizenship and consult attorneys before travel.
Two Filipino green card holders, Maximo Londonio and Lewelyn Dixon, have recently been detained by U.S. immigration authorities after returning from trips to the Philippines 🇵🇭. These cases have sparked fear and confusion among Filipino green card holders across the United States 🇺🇸, raising urgent questions about the security of permanent resident status, especially for those with old criminal convictions. The detentions come amid a period of stricter immigration enforcement under President Trump’s second administration, with new laws and policies making it easier for authorities to detain and deport lawful permanent residents.
Who, What, When, Where, and Why
Who: Maximo Londonio, a 42-year-old airline worker and father of three, and Lewelyn Dixon, a 64-year-old lab technician, both Filipino green card holders living in Washington state.
What: Both were detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after returning from the Philippines 🇵🇭. They now face possible deportation due to decades-old criminal convictions.
When: Londonio was detained on May 15, 2025; Dixon was detained on February 28, 2025.
Where: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Washington.
Why: Both have past convictions for crimes classified as “crimes involving moral turpitude” (CIMTs) under U.S. immigration law, which can make even long-term green card holders subject to detention and removal.
The Cases: Maximo Londonio and Lewelyn Dixon
Maximo Londonio: Detained After 30 Years in the U.S.
Maximo Londonio’s story has shocked many in the Filipino community. He moved to the United States 🇺🇸 at age 12 and has lived in Olympia, Washington for over 30 years. He works in the airline industry and is a father to three children. On May 15, 2025, after celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary in the Philippines 🇵🇭, Londonio was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Key facts about Londonio’s case:
– Long-term resident: Lived in the U.S. since age 12, green card holder for over three decades.
– Family and work: Resides in Olympia, works in the airline industry, father of three.
– Criminal record: Convicted of grand theft in 2002 at age 19.
– Travel history: Previously traveled internationally without major problems, though sometimes faced extra screening.
– Detention: As of May 24, 2025, held at the ICE Detention Facility in Tacoma for at least four days.
– Family concerns: His wife, Crystal, has struggled to get clear information from authorities about his status.
The Philippine Consulate General has confirmed they are in contact with Londonio and are working with U.S. immigration officials on his case.
Lewelyn Dixon: 50 Years in the U.S., Now Facing Deportation
Lewelyn Dixon’s situation is equally troubling. She immigrated to the United States 🇺🇸 at age 14 and has held a green card for 50 years. Dixon works as a lab technician at UW Medicine and lives in Edgewood, Pierce County. On February 28, 2025, she was detained by ICE after returning from the Philippines 🇵🇭.
Key facts about Dixon’s case:
– Long-term resident: Came to the U.S. at 14, green card holder for five decades.
– Employment: Works as a lab technician at a major hospital.
– Criminal record: Convicted of embezzlement in 2001, sentenced to 30 days in a halfway house and fined $6,400. No jail time served, no other convictions.
– Travel history: Had traveled outside the U.S. before without problems.
– Legal process: First hearing scheduled for July 17, 2025. Her attorney is trying to get an earlier date.
– Bond status: According to her attorney, she is not eligible for bond, and ICE parole options are “pretty much dead these days.”
Why Are These Detentions Happening?
The Law: Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMTs)
Both Londonio and Dixon’s detentions are based on old criminal convictions. U.S. immigration law allows authorities to detain and deport green card holders for certain crimes, even if they happened decades ago. These crimes are called “crimes involving moral turpitude” (CIMTs). This term covers offenses that involve dishonesty, theft, or actions considered morally wrong.
Examples of CIMTs:
– Grand theft (Londonio’s conviction)
– Embezzlement (Dixon’s conviction)
– Drug offenses
– Other crimes involving fraud or dishonesty
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has stated: “Lawful permanent residents convicted of offenses considered to be crimes involving moral turpitude, including aggravated felonies, can legally lose their status and be removed.”
The Legal Framework
Several laws and policies give immigration authorities the power to detain and deport green card holders with certain convictions:
- Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996: Expanded the list of deportable offenses and made it easier to detain and deport green card holders for a wide range of crimes.
- Section 236(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act: Requires detention for certain criminal convictions.
- The Lincoln Riley Act (January 2025): A new law that requires non-citizens to be detained if they have been arrested or charged with specific crimes, including theft and shoplifting.
These laws mean that even old, non-violent convictions can lead to detention and removal for green card holders.
The Current Immigration Enforcement Climate
Stricter Enforcement Under President Trump
Since President Trump began his second term in January 2025, there has been a clear increase in immigration enforcement. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Filipino green card holders have faced more detentions at U.S. airports, especially those with any criminal history, no matter how minor or old.
Key trends:
– Increased scrutiny: CBP and ICE are paying closer attention to returning green card holders.
– Flagging criminal history: Any past conviction can trigger extra screening, detention, or removal proceedings.
– Administrative errors: Some detentions are due to paperwork problems or questions about whether someone has met residency requirements.
Broader Policy Changes
These detentions are happening alongside other major changes in U.S. immigration policy:
– January 20, 2025: President Trump issued an Executive Order to restrict birthright citizenship for some children.
– March 21, 2025: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem ended Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan.
– Other actions: The administration is pushing for more removals, asking states and cities to help with immigration enforcement, limiting humanitarian relief, and tightening border controls.
Impact on Filipino Communities
The cases of Maximo Londonio and Lewelyn Dixon have caused widespread fear among Filipino green card holders in the United States 🇺🇸. Many are now afraid to travel outside the country, even for family emergencies or important events.
Community concerns:
– Travel fears: Filipino green card holders worry they could be detained or deported if they leave and try to return.
– Uncertainty: Even those with old, minor convictions are unsure if they are at risk.
– Calls for caution: Community groups and lawyers are urging anyone with a criminal record to talk to an immigration attorney before traveling internationally.
What Should Filipino Green Card Holders Do?
Legal Advice: Apply for U.S. Citizenship
Immigration lawyer and Bergenfield, New Jersey Mayor Arvin Amatorio strongly advises green card holders to apply for naturalization as soon as they are eligible. Becoming a U.S. citizen offers much stronger protection against deportation.
Amatorio explains: “Even if a conviction, such as the one [Londonio] received in 2002, is over two decades old, U.S. immigration law can still consider it grounds for denial of entry or detention—especially for crimes involving moral turpitude.”
The Legal Process: What Happens After Detention?
For those detained like Londonio and Dixon, the process usually follows these steps:
- Administrative proceedings: The person will have a hearing to decide if they can stay in the U.S.
- Notice to Appear (NTA): If ICE believes the conviction is a deportable offense, they issue an NTA, which starts removal proceedings. You can see the official Notice to Appear (Form I-862) on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
- Immigration judge: The person can present their case to a judge, who decides if they must leave the country.
- Possible relief: In some cases, the person may qualify for relief from removal, but options are now more limited under current policies.
Legal experts warn that under the current administration, it is much harder to get discretionary relief, such as waivers or pardons.
Broader Policy Implications
The detentions of Londonio and Dixon are not isolated incidents. They reflect a larger shift in U.S. immigration policy, especially as outlined in Project 2025, which calls for:
- Ending popular relief programs and some visa categories
- Expanding work verification requirements for employers
- Forcing local governments to help with federal immigration enforcement
- Punishing states and cities that do not fully cooperate with immigration authorities
This approach means that even long-term green card holders with old, non-violent convictions are now at greater risk of detention and deportation. According to VisaVerge.com, hundreds of thousands of green card holders across the United States 🇺🇸 could be affected by these changes.
What Can Filipino Green Card Holders Do to Protect Themselves?
Practical steps:
– Consult an immigration attorney: Before traveling outside the U.S., especially if you have any criminal record, get legal advice.
– Apply for naturalization: If you are eligible, consider applying for U.S. citizenship as soon as possible. The official USCIS citizenship page provides information on how to apply.
– Know your rights: If detained, ask to speak to a lawyer and do not sign any documents without legal advice.
– Stay informed: Follow updates from trusted sources and community organizations.
The Human Cost: Real Lives, Real Consequences
The stories of Maximo Londonio and Lewelyn Dixon show how immigration laws and policies can have life-changing effects on real people. Both have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for most of their lives, built careers, and raised families. Yet, because of old convictions, they now face the possibility of being forced to leave the only home they have known for decades.
Their cases highlight the importance of understanding how U.S. immigration law works and the risks that even long-term green card holders can face. They also show the need for clear information and legal support for immigrants who may be affected by changing policies.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead
The recent detentions of Filipino green card holders like Maximo Londonio and Lewelyn Dixon are a warning to all permanent residents in the United States 🇺🇸. Under current laws and policies, even old, non-violent convictions can lead to detention and deportation. The climate of stricter enforcement means that green card holders must be more careful than ever, especially when traveling internationally.
Key takeaways:
– Old convictions matter: Even crimes from decades ago can put your green card at risk.
– Travel can be risky: Leaving the U.S. and returning may trigger detention if you have a criminal record.
– Legal help is essential: Always consult an immigration attorney before traveling or if you have any concerns about your status.
– Citizenship offers protection: Applying for U.S. citizenship is the best way to secure your place in the country.
For more information on your rights and responsibilities as a green card holder, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Green Card page.
As immigration policies continue to change, staying informed and prepared is the best way to protect yourself and your family. The experiences of Filipino green card holders like Londonio and Dixon show that permanent residency is not always permanent—and that knowing your rights and options is more important than ever.
Learn Today
Green Card Holder → A non-citizen authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.
Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMTs) → Crimes involving dishonesty or immoral behavior that can cause deportation of green card holders.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) → Federal agency responsible for securing borders and controlling immigration at U.S. ports of entry.
Notice to Appear (NTA) → A formal document starting removal proceedings against someone in immigration court.
Naturalization → The legal process by which a green card holder becomes a U.S. citizen, gaining full protections.
This Article in a Nutshell
Two Filipino green card holders, detained after returning from the Philippines, face deportation due to old convictions amid stricter U.S. immigration enforcement in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
