Filipino in ICE detention faces amputation after alleged medical neglect

NEW YORK – A Filipino national in immigration detention is facing toe amputation and other serious health risks after allegedly enduring months of medical neglect at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, according to migrant advocates. 

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco identified the Filipino detainee as Greggy Valerio Sorio.

In a statement sent to USNewsRank, the Consulate said it “was able to confirm Mr. Sorio’s hospitalization and was able to speak directly with Mr. Sorio today (Friday, Oct. 24).”

“However, due to confidentiality of information, the Consulate cannot disclose any other details regarding the medical condition of Mr. Sorio, other than he is not yet due for discharge at this time,” the Consulate said.

In a statement released ahead of a scheduled press conference at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Tacoma, where Sorio is currently confined, migrant rights advocates described Sorio’s medical condition as “preventable suffering inflicted through delay and denial of needed care.”

Advocates from Tanggol Migrante Movement, Migrante Southcenter and Defend Migrants Alliance have called for accountability and urgent intervention from US and Philippine authorities.

Sorio is a longtime US resident and activist arrested during a workplace raid for overstaying his visa. He had sought asylum after reportedly facing threats related to his activism against the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. He has no prior criminal convictions. He was ordered deported after being denied further legal extension of his stay.

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According to Tanggol Migrante Movement, Sorio experienced severe abdominal pain, bloody stools and rapid weight loss during his four months in ICE custody. Requests for hospital care were addressed with prescriptions for laxatives, which worsened his symptoms, the group alleged.

While the advocacy groups acknowledged that the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco released $7,500 in funds to assist Sorio with his legal battle after months of public pressure, they described the legal support as “insufficient.” The attorney provided to Sorio reportedly communicated with him only twice, failing to prepare an adequate defense or follow-up on his case.

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On Oct. 16, Sorio was admitted to St. Joseph’s Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with colitis and “possible colon cancer,” the groups said. Discharged and returned to detention, he was rushed back to the hospital on Oct. 23 after developing a severe infection that now requires amputation of his toe – a consequence medical staff reportedly described as preventable with earlier intervention.

In response to the advocates’ allegations, the Consulate said Sorio’s requests for medical assistance “were duly relayed to ICE officials by the Consulate as well as his lawyers.”

The Consulate said they are in contact with ICE officials and continue to monitor Sorio’s condition.

“With reference to allegations of delayed legal aid to Mr. Sorio, the Consulate’s records will show that he was provided free legal consultation soon after he informed the Consulate that he was not able to secure a pro bono lawyer,” the Consulate said.

“In addition, the Consulate facilitated the approval of his request for Legal Assistance Fund. The LAF approved by the DFA was fully utilized for the legal services of the lawyer who represented him in his immigration case.”

A protest rally and emergency press conference are set for Saturday, Oct. 25, at St. Joseph’s Medical Center to call attention to Sorio’s worsening condition, demand comprehensive medical care for him and other detainees, and call for accountability from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), GEO Group and the Philippine Consulate.

Rally organizers are also calling for immediate diplomatic action to protect the rights and welfare of all detained Filipino migrants.

The Consulate said it is committed to providing consular assistance to Filipino citizens across its jurisdiction regardless of immigration status, “while respecting US laws as well as individual privacy.”

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