Sonny Lasquite, a Filipino immigrant and green card holder, was taken into custody in North Carolina after returning from a trip to the Bahamas.
Lasquite, who has lived in the U.S. for 23 years and worked as a banquet server in Las Vegas, was detained at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on July 28. He is now being held at the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia, according to Newsweek.
Why He Was Detained
Even though Lasquite is a legal permanent resident, immigration officials flagged him in their system because of a 2012 drug case. Court records say that between December 2010 and August 2012, Lasquite knowingly possessed and intended to sell controlled substances such as diazepam, alprazolam, zolpidem, and carisoprodol.
His Past Case
At the time, Lasquite fully cooperated with federal authorities. He admitted to his actions and helped prosecutors identify others involved in illegal drug distribution. His cooperation helped stop certain drug operations and led to more arrests, according to then-U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.
Because of his help, Lasquite’s sentence was reduced to “time served,” and he was fined $200. He did not spend more time in jail after his conviction.
Family and Community Support
Lasquite’s family and friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to pay for legal fees so he can fight to stay in the U.S.
The fundraising page describes Lasquite as a caring son, brother, uncle, and friend who supports his elderly mother both financially and emotionally. He is the main provider for his family, covering medical bills and daily expenses.
Now, his loved ones fear losing him to deportation. The page says, “He is the kind of person who always helps others, greets you with a warm smile, and offers comfort when you need it most. Today, Sonny is facing a crisis that could take him away from everyone who loves him.”
