Maximo Londonio held in CBP custody for days at SeaTac Airport

Key Takeaways

• Two legal green card holders detained at SeaTac Airport in May 2025 without family notification.
• Maximo Londonio held five days in CBP custody, transferred to NWDC; Rivera’s status unclear.
• CBP lacks legal duty to notify families; limited detainee communication causes community outrage.

Two Legal Green Card Holders Detained at SeaTac Airport: Families Left in the Dark

Two legal green card holders, including Olympia resident Maximo Londonio, were detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) in May 2025. Their families and local officials were not notified for several days, raising serious questions about transparency, due process, and the rights of legal permanent residents (LPRs) at U.S. ports of entry. The detentions have sparked public outrage, community rallies, and renewed calls for changes in how CBP handles such cases.

Who Was Detained, Where, and When?

The first individual, Maximo Londonio, a Filipino green card holder and father of three, was detained by CBP at SeaTac Airport on May 15, 2025, after returning from a family vacation in the Philippines. Londonio, who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for over 20 years and is married to a U.S. citizen, was held in CBP custody at SeaTac for five days. He was then transferred to the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma between May 19 and May 20, again without any notification to his family or local officials.

The second detainee, identified only as Rivera, was reportedly detained at SeaTac on May 18, 2025. As of May 21, Rivera’s name had not appeared on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) detainee locator, and his current status remained unclear. Both men were reportedly allowed only one brief phone call to their wives during their detention, leaving their families anxious and confused.

Why Were They Detained?

CBP has broad authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to inspect and detain non-citizens, including green card holders, at ports of entry if they suspect grounds of inadmissibility. This can include old criminal convictions, even if they are nonviolent and occurred many years ago. In these recent cases, CBP has not provided specific details about the reasons for detention, citing federal privacy laws.

CBP stated that all persons arriving at U.S. ports of entry are subject to inspection under Section 291 of the INA (8 USC 1361). If CBP officers believe there is a reason to question a person’s admissibility, they may detain the individual for further review. However, there is no legal requirement for CBP to notify family members, attorneys, or local officials when someone is detained at the airport.

How Did the Detentions Unfold?

The process for both Maximo Londonio and Rivera followed a similar pattern:

1. Inspection at Port of Entry: Upon arrival at SeaTac Airport, both men were inspected by CBP officers.
2. Detention Decision: CBP identified potential grounds for inadmissibility, possibly related to old convictions, and decided to detain them for further review.
3. CBP Custody at SeaTac: Londonio was held in CBP custody at the airport for five days. Rivera’s duration in CBP custody is less clear, but he was reportedly detained on May 18.
4. Limited Communication: Both men were allowed only one brief phone call to their wives during their time in CBP custody.
5. Transfer to ICE Facility: Londonio was transferred to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma between May 19 and May 20. Rivera’s status and location remain uncertain.
6. Lack of Notification: Families and local officials were not informed of the detentions or transfers. Londonio’s name did not appear on the DHS detainee locator until May 20, several days after his detention began.

Community Response and Public Outcry

The detentions of Maximo Londonio and Rivera have caused significant distress in the Filipino and broader immigrant communities in Washington. Advocacy groups, including the Tanggol Migrante Network (TMN), have organized rallies and spoken out against what they describe as a lack of transparency and due process. Family members, union representatives, and community leaders have joined these calls for accountability.

Crystal Londonio, Maximo’s wife, has been a vocal advocate for her husband’s release. She spoke at rallies and to the media, describing the fear and confusion her family experienced during the days when Maximo’s whereabouts were unknown. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 695, Londonio’s union, has also called for his release and is working to protect his job while he remains detained.

Local officials, including Port of Seattle Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, have expressed concern and frustration over the lack of notification and their inability to intervene. Commissioner Hasegawa confirmed that the Port of Seattle and its police have no jurisdiction over federal detention operations and are not notified when CBP detains individuals at the airport.

Key Issues: Notification Gaps and Due Process Concerns

The most troubling aspect of these detentions is the complete lack of notification to families, legal representatives, and local officials. This gap creates confusion, delays access to legal counsel, and leaves families in the dark about their loved ones’ whereabouts and well-being.

Key concerns include:

• No Notification Requirement: CBP is not required by law to notify anyone when an LPR is detained at a port of entry.
• Limited Communication: Detainees are often allowed only one brief phone call, making it difficult for families to get information or arrange legal help.
• Delayed Public Records: Names of detainees may not appear on public databases, such as the DHS detainee locator, for several days.
• No Local Oversight: Local officials have no authority or information about federal detentions at airports, leaving them unable to assist families or advocate for due process.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these notification gaps and lack of transparency have long been criticized by immigration attorneys and advocates. They argue that CBP’s broad discretion and limited oversight at ports of entry make it difficult for detained LPRs to access legal representation or challenge their detention in a timely manner.

Practical Effects on Families and Communities

The impact of these detentions goes far beyond the individuals held in custody. Families face emotional distress, fear of separation, and uncertainty about the future. Detainees risk losing their jobs, especially if they are held for extended periods without the ability to communicate with employers or unions.

For example, Maximo Londonio has been a lead forklift driver and union member for years. His sudden detention has put his job at risk and left his family without their main source of income. The union has stepped in to support the family and advocate for his release, but the lack of information from CBP has made it difficult to plan or take action.

The broader community, especially the Filipino and immigrant populations in Washington, has responded with rallies, public statements, and calls for reform. Many see these cases as part of a larger pattern of opaque and harsh immigration enforcement that can affect anyone, even long-term residents with deep ties to the United States 🇺🇸.

Legal Framework and Historical Context

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), CBP has the authority to inspect and detain non-citizens, including green card holders, at ports of entry if they suspect grounds of inadmissibility. This includes certain criminal convictions, even if they are old and nonviolent. The law gives CBP wide discretion, and there is no statutory requirement to notify families, attorneys, or local officials when someone is detained.

This lack of notification has been a source of criticism for years. Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups argue that it undermines due process and makes it harder for detainees to access legal help or challenge their detention. Similar cases have occurred at SeaTac and other airports, including the detention of Lewelyn Dixon, a Filipina green card holder, earlier in 2025.

CBP has stated that privacy laws and national security concerns prevent them from sharing details about individual cases. However, critics argue that these policies create a “black box” where people can be detained for days or weeks without anyone knowing where they are or why they are being held.

Step-by-Step: What Happens When a Green Card Holder Is Detained at the Airport?

To help readers understand the process, here’s a simplified step-by-step outline:

1. Arrival and Inspection: All travelers, including LPRs, are inspected by CBP officers upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry.
2. Questioning and Review: If CBP officers find something concerning—such as an old conviction—they may question the traveler further.
3. Detention Decision: If CBP believes there is a legal reason, they may detain the person for more review.
4. CBP Custody: The person may be held at the airport for several days, often with very limited communication allowed.
5. Transfer to ICE Facility: If CBP decides more action is needed, they may transfer the person to an ICE detention center, such as the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.
6. Notification (or Lack Thereof): There is no requirement for CBP to notify family, attorneys, or local officials. The person’s name may not appear on public databases for several days.
7. Legal Proceedings: The detainee may face removal proceedings or further review. Access to legal counsel is often delayed because families and lawyers do not know where the person is.

For more information on the rights of travelers and the inspection process at U.S. ports of entry, readers can visit the official CBP website.

Multiple Perspectives: How Different Groups Are Affected

• Detainees and Families: Experience fear, confusion, and distress due to lack of information and communication.
• Advocacy Groups (TMN): Demand transparency, notification, and accountability from CBP and ICE.
• Local Officials: Frustrated by lack of jurisdiction and notification; call for changes to federal policies.
• CBP/ICE: Cite privacy laws and national security; provide minimal information about individual cases.
• Union Representatives: Advocate for the release of detained workers and protection of their jobs.
• Broader Community: Outrage and mobilization, especially among Filipino and immigrant communities.

Recent Policy Developments and Official Responses

As of May 24, 2025, there have been no announced changes to CBP or DHS notification policies regarding the detention of legal permanent residents at ports of entry. Local officials, including the Port of Seattle and Port of Seattle Police, have confirmed they are not notified when CBP detains individuals and have no jurisdiction over federal detention operations.

CBP has reiterated that all persons arriving at U.S. ports of entry are subject to inspection under longstanding immigration law. They have cited federal privacy restrictions as the reason for not disclosing case specifics.

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs described the situation as “unsettling and unfortunate” and expressed concern that state officials were unaware of the detentions during a commemorative event at SeaTac Airport.

What’s Next? Advocacy, Legal Challenges, and Possible Reforms

The high-profile nature of the detentions of Maximo Londonio and Rivera has brought renewed attention to the need for reform in CBP’s detention and notification practices. Advocacy groups, unions, and community leaders are likely to continue pressing for Londonio’s release and for broader changes to ensure families and local officials are notified when LPRs are detained.

Possible next steps include:

• Ongoing Advocacy: Community groups and unions will keep organizing rallies and public campaigns.
• Legal Challenges: Advocacy organizations may pursue legal action or policy advocacy to require CBP to notify families and local officials of detentions.
• Policy Review: The attention these cases have received may prompt congressional or administrative review of CBP’s procedures, though no concrete changes have been announced yet.
• Continued Uncertainty: Without policy changes, similar incidents may continue, with affected families and communities facing uncertainty and hardship.

Practical Guidance for Families and Travelers

If you or a loved one is a green card holder traveling internationally, it is important to be aware of the inspection process at U.S. ports of entry. Here are some practical steps to consider:

• Know Your Rights: Understand that CBP can inspect and question all travelers, including LPRs, upon arrival.
• Carry Important Documents: Bring all necessary documents, including your green card and any paperwork related to past legal issues.
• Have Emergency Contacts: Make sure family members and legal representatives know your travel plans and how to reach you.
• Seek Legal Help Quickly: If a family member is detained, contact local legal aid organizations such as the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) for assistance.
• Check the ICE Detainee Locator: If you cannot reach a loved one, use the ICE Detainee Locator System to search for their name.

Conclusion: The Need for Transparency and Reform

The cases of Maximo Londonio and Rivera highlight serious gaps in the way CBP handles the detention of legal green card holders at U.S. airports. The lack of notification to families and local officials, limited communication, and delayed public records create confusion and hardship for those affected. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these issues have long been a source of concern for advocates and legal experts.

Community groups, unions, and local officials are calling for greater transparency, accountability, and changes to federal policies. Until reforms are made, families and communities will continue to face uncertainty and distress when loved ones are detained at the border.

For more information on your rights and the inspection process at U.S. ports of entry, visit the official CBP website.

Actionable Takeaways:
– Green card holders should be prepared for inspection at U.S. ports of entry and know their rights.
– Families should keep emergency contact information up to date and know how to seek legal help if needed.
– Advocacy and community support remain crucial in pushing for policy changes and protecting the rights of immigrants and their families.

The detentions at SeaTac Airport have brought these issues into sharp focus, and the push for reform is likely to continue as more families and communities demand answers and accountability.

Learn Today

Green Card Holder → A legal permanent resident authorized to live and work in the United States indefinitely.
CBP → U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agency responsible for inspecting travelers at U.S. ports of entry.
Detention Center → A facility where individuals suspected of immigration violations are held during legal proceedings.
INA → Immigration and Nationality Act, U.S. law governing immigration enforcement and inspections.
DHS Detainee Locator → An online database to search for individuals detained by U.S. immigration authorities.

This Article in a Nutshell

Two legal green card holders were detained at SeaTac Airport in May 2025 without notifying families. Maximo Londonio endured five days in CBP custody before transfer, while Rivera remains missing in public records. The cases highlight CBP’s lack of transparency and spark calls for reform in detention practices.
— By VisaVerge.com