Pilipino Worker's Center

AFW Member Detained

“I have never been discriminated against in the Philippines. It is only here when I am detained that I am stripped of all my rights as a human being.”
-Thelma “Precious” Chua

January 4, 2008 - Thelma “Precious” Chua was riding on a bus from Los Angeles to Texas. Precious’ daughter and grandchild had just arrived from the Philippines because her daughter took a nursing job in Texas. Precious planned to stay with her daughter and take care of her grandchild.

Precious was almost at her destination when the bus stopped at an immigration check-point in Texas. It was at this check-point that Precious and several others were taken to the ICE Service Processing Center in El Paso, Texas.

On March 18, 2008, Precious called the Pilipino Workers’ Center informing us that she has been languishing in the detention center for over two months. PWC had learned from Precious and her daughter that there is some sort of discrimination against Precious. All the other detainees that came in the same time as Precious were able to get bailed out. Despite the requests from Precious and her daughter to be released on bond, Precious is not allowed to be released. Moreover, Precious’ daughter explained that she is supposed to have visitation by family members every two weeks. However, Precious’ daughter has only been able to visit her mother once, despite the many written requests for her right to visitation.

As an active member of the Association of Filipino Workers, we contacted our networks to find an attorney based in Texas that could work on Precious’ case. After several days of searching, PWC was able to speak with an attorney willing to visit Precious in the detention center and take on her case.

Currently, Precious has a hearing in early April where she will be represented by the attorney PWC referred to her. Additionally, PWC is writing the judge assigned to her case to request that her case be moved to Los Angeles where she will have more support.

PWC is also trying to investigate the maltreatment of detainees, especially female detainees. Since being inside the detention center, Precious has witnessed first-hand how officers have sexually harassed female detainees.

Remember: If you are stopped by an immigration officer, you have the right to remain silent. Call PWC and/or an attorney immediately.

For more information on how to protect yourself from a raid, what to do when you are stopped by an officer, and your rights contact the Pilipino Workers’ Center 213.250.4353.