Fil-Am, living in US with citizenship claim, detained by ICE – groups

MANILA, Philippines – A 58-year-old Filipino-American woman with claim to United States citizenship has been detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to migrant rights groups.

In a statement released by Gabriela USA and Malaya Movement USA, Alma Bowman, born to a Filipino mother and American father, was detained after a routine check-in with ICE on the morning of March 26, local time in Atlanta, Georgia.

The groups said that Bowman had been attending her check-in with ICE regularly and had “no issues” for the past few years. However, this time, she was no longer able to leave the office.

The groups said only one of Bowman’s two attorneys was allowed to go inside with her, while her son stayed outside. An ICE officer allegedly told Bowman that they had to get her “fingerprinted” away from the presence of her lawyer. After 30 minutes, her lawyer was notified that she had been detained, and would be sent to Stewart Detention Facility in Lumpkin, Georgia.

Her attorney asserted that Bowman had credible claim to US citizenship, but the ICE agents reportedly claimed that there was nothing they could do.

“Her detainment is a major cause of concern due to her ongoing medical issues, even being hospitalized just last week which has resulted in her needing to use a wheelchair,” the groups said.

Bowman was born in the Philippines in 1966 to a Filipino mother and American veteran who served in the Vietnam war. The US has certain laws that extend citizenship to people who serve in the US military, which is what her lawyer and supporters assert. She has also been living in Macon, Georgia, since she was 10 years old.

The rights groups said that the Philippine embassy in the US has so far only provided a connection to private legal assistance. The embassy told Rappler on Thursday, March 27, that they have received reports on Bowman’s detention by ICE.

“The Embassy is in contact with relevant US authorities to verify the details and will extend appropriate consular assistance to Ms. Bowman,” the embassy said.

In an email to Rappler on Friday, March 28, Honorary Consul General Raoul Donato in Atlanta, Georgia also said that his office was working on the case together with the embassy.

“Rest assured we will do whatever is necessary to protect the rights of Ms. Bowman,” said Donato, adding that they had pro bono lawyers working with the Philippine authorities on her case.

“The atmosphere for immigration in the United States is quite challenging at the moment. However, we remain fully committed to protecting our Philippine citizens,” added Donato.

Neither office categorically confirmed or denied Bowman had been detained.

MOTHER. Alma Bowman with her two children. Photo courtesy of Malaya Movement USA

Bowman was previously detained by ICE from 2017 to 2020. The Intercept reported that after she became a key witness for medical misconduct at an immigration jail, ICE moved to deport her. She was granted a stay of removal in 2020, which allowed her to reunite with her family.

After she was released, Bowman worked on gathering documents to prove her citizenship and has also advocated for other migrants’ rights.

Bowman’s supporters have gathered for mobilizations calling for her release.

“Between chants of ‘Justice for Alma Bowman,’ her attorneys, children and supporters used a megaphone to speak directly to Alma in hopes that she would be able to hear them. They told her that they would meet her at the Stewart Detention Facility, where the fight for Alma’s release will continue,” the rights groups said. – Rappler.com