Migrant protesters greet President Marcos’ arrival in the US capital with a protest rally, marching from the White House to Blair House, where the Philippine president is staying. CONTRIBUTED
WASHINGTON — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in the US capital Sunday evening for high-level talks with President Donald Trump, as immigrant rights advocates held rallies protesting the Philippine government’s alleged lack of support for Filipinos impacted by Trump’s immigration crackdown.
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The visit aims to strengthen economic and security cooperation between the longtime allies. Marcos is scheduled to meet with Trump on July 22, according to Philippine and US officials.
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Marcos’ visit has been met with strong opposition from advocacy groups representing overseas Filipinos. More than 100 demonstrators gathered near the White House and Blair House on Sunday and Monday to protest what they described as the Philippine government’s failure to support Filipinos affected by the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
“Our people are getting disappeared and detained… but that is how spineless and useless the Marcos government is,” said Jom Dolor, deputy secretary-general of Migrante USA, a grassroots alliance representing Filipino migrants. Dolor and others pointed to the lack of consular support for detained and deported Filipinos as a central concern.
At the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, protesters demanded the release of a Filipino green card holder referred to as “Kuya G,” who has reportedly been detained since March. Advocacy groups, including Tanggol Migrante Network and its allies, claimed consular assistance has been slow and insufficient.
In an open letter addressed to President Marcos, the coalition called for stronger diplomatic engagement, improved welfare services for detainees and an immediate response to the economic impact of new US tariffs and military agreements on Filipino workers and their families.
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The letter, released by Tanggol Migrante Network USA on July 19, asked the president: “Have you abandoned your post? Or, have you decided to fully bow down to Donald Trump in exchange for deals that ultimately only benefit the few at the expense of the everyday Filipino?”
Marcos is accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.
The delegation is expected to engage in discussions with Trump and other senior American officials on a wide range of issues. Talks will likely center around the newly imposed 20 percent US tariff on Philippine imports and defense cooperation under the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
The White House described the upcoming meeting as “constructive,” emphasizing both governments’ intent to strengthen alliance-based collaboration. Marcos has stated that his goals include securing a more favorable trade deal, encouraging further US investment in the Philippines and reinforcing regional security partnerships.
The US-Philippines Society welcomed President Marcos Jr.’s visit to Washington, saying the visit presents an opportunity to bolster security ties and address regional challenges, including the West Philippine Sea.
The Society also urged progress on trade and tariff agreements to expand US market access and strengthen bilateral investment, noting Trump’s 2017 endorsement of a potential free trade pact. The group expressed support for tangible outcomes in security and economic cooperation.
Marcos’ visit continues through July 22, with additional meetings and public engagements expected before his return to Manila. Activist groups said demonstrations would continue throughout the visit, pledging to escalate pressure on both Philippine and US governments until meaningful action is taken to address the concerns of overseas Filipinos.
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