Detained Elderly Man with Cancer Misses Critical Treatments

A 76-year-old man from Fife, Washington, named Loreto Javar has faced detention by federal immigration officials for more than two months. This has caused him to miss several critical treatments for his advanced prostate cancer, as reported by his family and advocates.

Javar, originally from the Philippines, has been held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma. His detention began on June 23 during a citizenship interview in Tukwila. Despite being a green card holder, he has serious health issues, including stage 4 prostate cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, shared his daughter, Daisy Javar.

“I want him out today,” Daisy Javar stated after a hearing where an immigration judge extended his case to September 20. This delay forces Javar to miss another cancer treatment appointment. His recovery is hindered by irregular mealtimes during his custody, as his daughter explained.

“It’s always late,” she said. “He’s getting medication and needs to eat on time. Luckily, the medications have been given on time.”

Federal immigration officials detained Javar during a routine citizenship interview, alleging entrapment. Javar was involved in a 1970s incident in the Philippines, where someone died. He reportedly served three years in jail before being released on parole, revealed court documents cited by the Seattle Times.

“I just want them to treat people humanely,” Daisy Javar added. “It’s inhumane how they treat people.”

Moe Cinco, from the Tanggol Migrante Movement, said Loreto Javar will miss his third oncology appointment due to Monday’s extension. “He’s been languishing in the detention center and separated from his cancer treatment,” Cinco shared. They aim to secure his release before the next appointment on September 4.

The group urges the Philippine consulate in Seattle to advocate for Loreto Javar’s release. However, consulate officials have not responded to requests for help, according to Cinco. “The consulate has a duty to protect their national,” he emphasized.

A petition by Tanggol Migrante, demanding consulate intervention, received over 150 signatures. “No national should beg their government for defense,” the petition states.

Javar, a retired hotel worker and father of two, has lived in the U.S. since 1995. “For nearly three decades, he worked, raised his family, and contributed to the community,” the petition continues. He was detained during his citizenship interview, pursued in good faith.

Inquiries to the Philippine Consulate General in Seattle and the Department of Homeland Security went unanswered. ICE officials stated Javar failed to disclose a criminal conviction when applying for a visa in 1995. This omission made him ineligible, as per ICE spokesperson Jason Chudy.

Daisy Javar remains hopeful for her father’s release on compassionate grounds. “I’m just hoping to get him out by the 20th,” she expressed.