Sonny Lasquite, a Filipino immigrant and green card holder, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina on July 28. He was stopped after returning from a vacation in the Bahamas, according to his family.
Why This Matters
Lasquite’s arrest happened because of a record in the federal system related to a drug case from 2012. ICE records show that he is now being held at a detention center in Georgia.
This case shows how even legal permanent residents can face immigration trouble when returning to the U.S., especially if they have past criminal convictions. It also raises concerns about how such detentions affect families who depend on these residents for financial and emotional support.
What You Should Know
Lasquite has lived in the U.S. for about 23 years and worked as a banquet server in Las Vegas.
Between late 2010 and 2012, he was involved in possessing and planning to distribute certain drugs, including some prescription medicines like diazepam and alprazolam, according to court papers.
However, he accepted responsibility and cooperated with authorities by helping them identify others involved. A 2014 court document said Lasquite helped stop drug distribution and led to charges against others.
The judge said Lasquite was the only one who cooperated and showed he was unlikely to commit crimes again. He was sentenced to time served (meaning no extra jail time) and fined $200.
Since then, Lasquite’s family and friends say he has lived a good, law-abiding life. A GoFundMe campaign was started to raise $30,000 for his legal defense and expenses so he can stay in the U.S. and reunite with his family. By Monday, it had raised nearly $11,600 from 56 donors.
The fundraiser organizer said Lasquite has been a kind, helpful person who cares for his elderly mother and supports his family financially and emotionally.
Health Concerns
Since being detained, Lasquite’s health has suffered. His family says he has not been given timely medical care, including for high blood pressure and a recent fever.
What Officials Are Saying
Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, said that ICE only detains dangerous criminals, denying claims that immigrants without criminal records are held.
What’s Next?
Lasquite’s case is still ongoing. Immigration laws allow for the removal of immigrants with certain drug convictions, so his legal options are limited.
