The Department of Foreign Affairs has assured that it is closely monitoring the condition of Filipinos held in US immigration detention centers as Washington intensifies its enforcement campaign against undocumented migrants.
According to DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona, the Philippine Embassy in Washington and consulates across the United States are maintaining active coordination with US authorities to ensure that the rights of detained Filipinos are respected. “We continue to monitor their welfare and remind host authorities that our nationals must be treated in accordance with US laws and international human rights standards,” Escalona said.
She explained that the DFA’s assistance includes checking on detainees’ health and legal status, but that information about their condition is shared only with their consent. “We handle these matters with great sensitivity. Medical updates and personal details are relayed to us directly by the detainees or their families,” she noted.
The statement came after migrant rights groups in the US, including Tanggol Migrante Movement USA and Anakbayan USA, raised alarm over what they described as “life-and-death” conditions inside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. In a recent virtual forum, members of the groups cited reports of mistreatment and delayed medical attention that have led to the deterioration of several detainees’ health.
The groups also criticized what they called the silence of some Philippine officials amid the renewed crackdown under the Trump administration, which they claim has disproportionately affected Filipino immigrants working in service industries.
Data from the DFA show that around 70 Filipinos are currently in ICE custody, while Tanggol Migrante estimates that it has established contact with more than 30 detainees scattered across several US states.
Despite the alarming accounts, Escalona said the Philippine government is “fully engaged” and continues to extend consular assistance wherever possible. “We stand by our commitment to protect the rights and dignity of every Filipino, regardless of their immigration status,” she said.
As the crackdown expands, the DFA reiterated its call for Filipino communities in the US to stay informed, seek legal guidance, and reach out to the nearest Philippine post if they or their family members are affected.