Loreto Javar, a 76-year-old with advanced prostate cancer, has been detained by federal immigration authorities for over two months, leading to missed critical medical treatments. As of Monday, Javar has been held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma since June 23, when he attended a U.S. citizenship interview in Tukwila. Originally from the Philippines, Javar holds a green card and suffers from stage 4 prostate cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to his daughter, Daisy Javar.
Following a hearing on Monday, Daisy Javar expressed urgency in having her father released, as the judge extended his case to September 20. This delay means he will miss another cancer treatment session. The intermittent timing of meals during his detention further complicates his recovery, said Daisy Javar, despite medications being administered on time.
The detention, initially intended as a routine procedure, has raised suspicions among Javar’s family and advocates, suggesting entrapment by officials. The Seattle Times reported that court documents mention Javar’s involvement in a 1970s altercation in the Philippines, where one person died, leading to his earlier imprisonment and parole.
Among those advocating for Javar’s release is Moe Cinco from the Tanggol Migrante Movement, who highlighted Javar’s separation from his cancer treatment. Cinco stated the importance of releasing him before his next appointment scheduled for September 4.
“He’s been languishing in the detention center and separated from his cancer treatment,” Cinco emphasized.
An appeal to the Philippine consulate in Seattle has remained unanswered, according to Cinco. Over 150 people have signed a petition urging consulate intervention, underscoring the duty to protect nationals worldwide.
Javar has lived in the U.S. since 1995, having worked and raised his family, advocates noted. His legal troubles stem from failing to disclose a criminal record from the Philippines during his visa application, making him originally ineligible, according to ICE officials.
Despite these challenges, Daisy Javar remains hopeful that her father will be released compassionately.
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