After more than two decades of living and working in the United States, Filipino immigrant Sonny Lasquite is now in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The lawful permanent resident, who holds a green card, was detained upon returning from a vacation in the Bahamas. His arrest stems from an old narcotics case that dates back more than a decade, showing how past criminal convictions can still affect long-time residents.
Green card holders are allowed to live and work permanently in the US, but they are not immune from immigration enforcement. Under federal law, certain criminal convictions — even those from years ago — can make a person subject to detention or deportation. When someone enters the country, their documents are scanned and checked against federal databases. If a “red flag” appears, immigration officers can act immediately, even if the individual has not had recent legal issues.
Detained After 23 Years in the US
Lasquite, 53, arrived at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina on July 28, expecting to head home after his trip. Instead, immigration officers stopped him when the federal system flagged his name in connection with a 2012 narcotics case. Despite having legal permanent resident status, ICE officials say the past conviction gave them grounds to detain him.
He was transferred to the Stewart Detention Center in Stewart County, Georgia, where he remains. This facility holds individuals awaiting immigration hearings or deportation proceedings.
Before his detention, Lasquite had been living in Las Vegas, where he worked as a banquet server. His family says he was devoted to caring for his elderly mother and was the primary financial provider in the household. For 23 years, he built a life in the US, with no new legal troubles since his past case.
The 2012 Narcotics Case That Led to the Detention
Between December 2010 and August 2012, Lasquite was involved in activities related to the possession and intent to distribute prescription drugs. The substances listed in the case included diazepam, alprazolam, zolpidem, and carisoprodol.
Court documents show that Lasquite “intentionally and knowingly” participated in these activities. However, he also fully cooperated with authorities during the investigation. He admitted to his role, provided information that helped halt ongoing illegal distribution, and assisted the US government in identifying both charged and uncharged co-conspirators.
His cooperation was considered significant. Then–US Attorney Preet Bharara noted that the information Lasquite provided helped bring others to justice and disrupted certain narcotics operations.
U.S. Green Card Holder Caught in Explosive Tech Smuggling Scandal to Iran — Faces 80 Years, Says DOJ
Because of his assistance, Lasquite’s sentence was reduced to time already served. He was ordered to pay a $200 fine and did not have to spend additional time in prison. At the time, the case seemed to be resolved. But more than ten years later, that conviction has resurfaced as the legal reason for his detention by ICE.
Family Launches Fundraiser to Support Legal Battle
Lasquite’s detention has left his family in a difficult position. They depend on him for both financial stability and emotional support. His income pays for household expenses, as well as his mother’s medical treatments and daily needs.
Family and friends have set up an online fundraiser to cover the legal costs of fighting his case. The campaign describes him as “more than a name” — a son, brother, uncle, and friend whose kindness has touched many. They say he is the kind of person who never hesitates to help, greets others with a warm smile, and offers comfort when it is most needed.
Loved ones fear that if he is deported, it would not only separate him from his family but also leave them without the support they rely on. They are calling on the community to rally behind him, with all funds raised going toward the legal battle to keep him in the country he has called home for over two decades.