The Tanggol Migrante Movement–Chicago condemned the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for secretly deporting Filipina immigrant “Tita Rebecca” from the US on January 8. Before this, ICE twice attempted to deport her but failed for having no declaration she was medically fit or physically able to travel. The third deportation attempt succeeded without informing her family.

According to the family, both the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) and ICE refused to disclose information about her trip, including her destination, schedule and health status. The PCG claimed that ICE stopped providing updates about the deportation.

The family believes the agency deliberately withheld information despite their repeated requests. The PCG had the duty to press ICE to release details, but it consistently refused to defend Filipinos.

The PCG later also stopped giving updates to the family about Tita Rebecca’s condition. She was transferred to at least eight different ICE facilities before being taken to and placed in solitary confinement in a men’s facility in Clay County, Indiana.

According to TMM, the withholding of information by the PCG and ICE was clearly a retaliation for the community’s efforts to block Tita Rebecca’s deportation and demand that she receive proper medical care.

“The PCG and the Philippine Embassy have the responsibility to ensure that Filipinos get their needs and can return home with adequate resources,” explained the TMM.

TMM calls on the PCG to issue a statement of apology for its neglect of Tita Rebecca’s condition and to ensure that she receives proper and sufficient medical services in the Philippines.