The applause outside the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Wash., on May 29, 2025, was quite deafening. It was not only Lewelyn Dixon, but also a hope for justice for all immigrants.

After detaining her for three terrifying months, U.S. authorities finally released the 64-year-old Filipina, a green card holder and beloved lab technician at UW Medicine, allowing her to breathe in freedom as she stepped toward her family.

Her unwanted ordeal, all set off by a decades-old, non-violent conviction, served as a harsh reminder of the shaky ground some long-term lawful permanent residents can stand on.

This article looks at the remarkable journey of Lewelyn, her deep American roots, the legal battle to secure her freedom, and what her ultimate victory means for the broader immigrant community.

Key Facts

The Early Life of Lewelyn Dixon: A Half-Century in America

And his tale is part of the national weave, American life over half a century. She had come to the United States from the Philippines at 14, an expectant girl ready to start a new life.

She has since made a life here, established herself in a community, and nurtured strong family ties.

Lewelyn Dixon Beginnings: From the Philippines to the U.S.

Who does ICE detain the Filipina woman? She was born in the Philippines and came to the United States at the age of 14. America has been Tuy’s home for 50 years, where she has become a patriotic and contributing member of society.

Her life story is that of a young immigrant who had spent decades as a lawful permanent resident the American dream for many.

Lewelyn Dixon’s Life and Relationships in America

She is not just a name in a headline; she is a whole person with a full life and numerous connections. A lab technician at UW Medicine, she was dedicated to her work there for many years.

Even during the trying days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she processed tests. Her family is also central to her identity.

Specific details about her children are relatively unknown, but her nieces, Emily Cristobal, Melania Madriaga, and Lani Madriaga, have been her staunch defenders.

She affectionately called her family and friends’ Auntie Lyn,’ and she always kept them at the top of her priorities. She joined the Washington community at a younger age to assist in the care of her nieces and nephews.

Curiously, she had been eligible for American citizenship for a long time. But she had made her dad a promise to keep her Filipino citizenship.

By doing so, she was able to keep family land in her homeland. This personal choice, taken decades ago, played an unanticipated role in her arrest.

Her family emphasizes her toughness; they say she’s a hard worker dedicated to helping her community.

The Trending Case of Lewelyn Dixon: Arrest and Detention

Do they still have Lewelyn Dixon? No. ICE released her from custody on May 29, 2025.

But when authorities arrested her earlier this year, they shook her family and community, pushing her case into the national spotlight.

Lewelyn Dixon’s Arrest: A Trip Gone Wrong

The day of her sudden nightmare was February 28, 2025. She was on her way back from a trip to the Philippines when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stopped her at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac).

Just a few days later, officials transferred her to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington, a private prison run by the GEO Group.

The first few days overwhelmed Lewelyn Dixon and her family with confusion and fear. Authorities had not immediately explained why they detained her, and by Tuesday afternoon, they still hadn’t provided any official reason.

This is a typical and terrible occurrence for many detained persons in immigration custody.

The Embezzlement Conviction: Why Lewelyn Dixon Was Targeted

With the assistance of her lawyer, Benjamin Osorio, the reason for her arrest was revealed: a non-violent embezzlement conviction 18 years prior.

While employed as a vault teller and operations supervisor during the relevant period, Dixon confessed to stealing approximately $6,460 in cash on eight separate occasions.

For this, she pleaded guilty. She was sentenced to 30 days in a halfway house and ordered to pay restitution, which she fulfilled by 2019. Most notably, she did not spend a single day in jail or prison.

Can ICE detain permanent residents? Yes, her case is a grim reminder that ICE does incarcerate lawful permanent residents (green card holders).

Her lawyer stated that the decades-old conviction on which the authorities are basing the deportation threat has not prevented her from renewing her green card or traveling abroad in the past.

However, the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration enforcement is drawing more intense attention to ports of entry.

As such, an old, nonviolent crime could result in one being immediately taken into custody and never being allowed to return to the United States.

Lewelyn Dixon, Fight for Freedom: Community and Legal Battle

Detention was a struggle for Lewelyn Dixon. However, it also demonstrated her indomitable spirit and the collective’s strength.

The Conditions Inside: Lewelyn Dixon’s Detention Experience

Of her three months in the Northwest ICE Processing Center, she said they were “horrific” and “awful.” She added that people were in the “crowded super crowded” facility as well.

Yet her generosity was evident. She even assisted other detainees in trying to make sense of the complex immigration and court system, offering them advice and solidarity.

This act of selflessness, as narrated by her niece, Melania Madriaga, underscores the humanity that permeates the detention setting.

The Unwavering Support for Lewelyn Dixon

This Filipino mom was released from ICE. And although the articles describe her as a “Filipina green card holder” and a “Filipina health worker,” they emphasize the ties between her and her nieces.

Her freedom on May 29, 2025, is mainly due to her family, her union, and a committed community that never gave up.

• Her nieces, who included Emily Cristobal and Lani Madriaga, worked fervently on her behalf. They talked to the media and marshaled support in the court of public opinion.
• The Service Employees International Union Local 925 (SEIU Local 925), Lewelyn Dixon’s union, battled to keep her employed at UW Medicine. It also generated widespread support. Tricia Schroeder, the union’s president, emphasized that her experience demonstrated the necessity of setting a precedent for how the university would react if other employees were detained.
• Groups like the Tanggol Migrante Network WA, which supports Filipino migrants, have also emerged as key. They held rallies and raised awareness about her rights.
• Dozens of friends, family members, and co-workers sent strong letters to the immigration court supporting her. This demonstrated her strong roots in the community.

Lewelyn Dixon Legal Victory: A Judge’s Discretion

On May 29, 2025, this work came to fruition when he appeared before Immigration Judge Tammy Fitting at the Tacoma Immigration Court.

Her case was represented by her lawyer, Benjamin Osorio. He stressed that she had been a lawful resident for 50 years, had deep community ties, and that her old conviction was nonviolent.

Judge Fitting exercised her discretion. She determined that Lewelyn Dixon was not eligible for deportation.

Lewelyn’s extensive time in the U.S. and his deep community ties weighed heavily in the judge’s evaluation, the judge said, as did the fact that she came to this country as a child.

This was good news, and in combination with the government’s decision not to appeal, it led to Dixon’s release from prison. She was greeted by cheers and tears of joy from her supporters.

The Triumph of Lewelyn Dixon: Beyond Release

The release of Lewelyn Dixon was an enormous relief and joy. Yet it was the beginning of the next level of his life, with a fresh focus.

Lewelyn Dixon’s First Moments of Freedom

A few minutes later, her stepped out of the detention centre, a wave of relief washing over her. Despite her gruelling ordeal, she was elated and happy.

In florid language suggestive of both its conditions and its emotional toll, she described her detention as “hell.”

Her immediate wishes were clear, but intense: to be with her much-missed cat, to have a “feast” with her family from Washington and Hawaii, and to adjust once more to a life no longer lived in confinement, she said. The emotional reunions underscored the profound human cost of her detention.

Lewelyn Dixon’s Renewed Purpose: Citizenship and Advocacy

The trials of her garnered attention. Her next step is now evident: obtaining U.S. citizenship. This is a critical step to secure her future, too, because citizenship protects her from the very deportation perils she has just encountered.

She’s also ready to return to her important work as a lab technician at UW Medicine. That shows her commitment and tenacity. And, through Lewelyn-developed services, she is dedicated to utilizing her experience to serve others.

She plans to stay in touch with those she befriended in detention and to work to raise awareness about the deportation risks faced by green card holders. She will also advocate for fair immigration policies.

Lessons from Lewelyn Dixon: Navigating Immigration in a Changing Landscape

Lewelyn Dixon’s is more than just a personal victory. We utilize it as a learning experience for immigrants and advocates.

The Precedent Set by Lewelyn Dixon’s Case

Here are some key takeaways from her win:

• The Value of Good Counsel: She expedited release post-hearing demonstrates the importance of qualified immigration lawyers like Benjamin Osorio. They steer the channel through complex legal proceedings.
• Judicial discretion: for the judge to balance the sentencing on a conviction with favorable factors they deem to have in favor of a fair trial. And it also shows what the human element is because what are these people doing?”
• C IMT: Her story is proof that even a very minor and non-violent conviction, where it’s classified as a “CIMT” (a crime against a society’s morals, such as fraud or embezzlement, even simple theft), can lead to very severe consequences in immigration. Nowhere is this more apparent than when flying back to the United States.

Actionable Steps for Green Card Holders: Learn from Lewelyn Dixon

For the millions of legal permanent residents in the U.S., her experience is a sobering reminder to stay vigilant:

• Consider U.S. Citizenship: Most green card holders receive the most durable protection against deportation through naturalization. It eliminates many of the risks associated with prior convictions or fluctuating immigration policies.
• Consult with a Lawyer Before Traveling: If you are a green card holder who has ever had any legal troubles, even something minor, you should meet with an experienced immigration attorney before leaving the United States.
• Know Your Rights at the Border: C.B.P. officers have sweeping powers, but you have rights. Do not sign any form whatsoever, especially Form I-407 (Record of.Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status), without reading it. If there is a way to get a lawyer before being interviewed, do so.
• Keep a Clean Record: No new crimes. These can quickly put your green card status in jeopardy.

Supporting Immigration Advocacy: Inspired by Lewelyn Dixon

Her battle also demonstrates the power of collective action. Her union, community groups , and individual supporters organized aggressively.

They publicized her case and campaigned for her release. It is never more critical than now to support the organizations that offer legal support and fight for the rights of immigrants, from the Tanggol Migrante Network to the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.

Her story illustrates that while some fights can be won, lasting change often requires a collective effort that endures.

Conclusion

There is something quite resilient about Lewelyn Dixon’s path from immigrant to old-timer, from detention to triumph. Her May 29, 2025, release is a testament to her “solid” family, community support, and zealous defenders of the law.

It’s a personal triumph and a glimmer of relief for others in limbo due to uncertain immigration status. While she is now free, her case serves as a reminder of the complexity of the U.S. immigration system.

Green card holders need to know their rights, stay informed, and consider applying for citizenship. May her victory be a reminder of perseverance and a summons to remain careful and kind.

Share her motivational story and help raise awareness about immigration activism.

FAQs