A Filipino man detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been released from a Tacoma facility following a federal court order that deemed his detention unconstitutionally “punitive.” Greggy Sorio, also known as “Kuya G,” walked free from the Northwest ICE Processing Centre after enduring severe health complications, including the amputation of a toe and significant weight loss, while in custody.
Sorio, 37, developed a bone infection during his time held by ICE in Seattle, which necessitated healthcare providers amputating one of his toes and a portion of his foot. He also lost 10kg amid what advocates described as inadequate medical care in detention.
The federal court intervention came after concerns over the conditions of Sorio’s detention, ruling it punitive in nature and ordering his release. This decision marked a significant victory for Sorio, though it did not resolve his underlying immigration case.
Upon his release, Sorio was greeted with a celebration hosted by the Tanggol Migrante Movement. “I just want to say thank you to everyone. I’m speechless,” Sorio said, according to a statement from the organization, which hailed the development as “an unexpected announcement.”
Originally from Lingayen, Pangasinan, in the Philippines, Sorio moved to the United States in 2007 on a green card. His journey in the U.S. has now intersected with prolonged immigration proceedings.
Despite his release from the Tacoma detention centre, Sorio remains under a deportation order and faces the ongoing threat of removal from the United States, leaving his future uncertain as he awaits further legal developments.
