Family calls for release of woman legally in U.S. for 50 years and now detained by ICE

Lewelyn Dixon, a University of Washington lab technician and green card holder, was recently detained by U.S.

After a University of Washington lab technician and green card holder was recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, her family is speaking out. 

Lewelyn Dixon, 64, who’s had legal permanent status in the U.S. for 50 years, was arrested at the airport in Seattle and placed into ICE custody after coming back from a trip to her native Philippines in late February. She has a hearing scheduled for July, but her loved ones are calling for her release, telling NBC News that she is the glue that holds the family together. 

“She’s always been our go-to,” said Dixon’s niece Lani Madriaga, who described her as a mother figure. “She’s always been that.” 

ICE did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment. 

Dixon is being held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington, Madriaga said, where she’s been socializing with the other detainees, translating and helping them communicate with their attorneys amid the wait before her hearing. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/green-card-holder-50-years-detained-ice-rcna198044

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