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Lab technician detained at airport for three months, released and becomes U.S. citizen

May 30, 2025 · Seattle, WA, Philippines

Lab technician detained at airport for three months, released and becomes U.S. citizen

Lewelyn Dixon, a 64-year-old Filipino green-card holder who had lived in the United States for over 50 years, was detained by CBP at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in late February 2025 after returning from a trip to the Philippines. Dixon worked as a lab technician at the University of Washington. Immigration officials cited criminal cases against her, including a 2000-2001 embezzlement conviction for which she served no jail time and completed restitution payments by 2019. After approximately three months in ICE detention at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Judge Tammy Fitting ruled in May 2025 that Dixon should not be deported and granted her relief available to lawful permanent residents. Following her release, Dixon applied for citizenship to protect herself from future enforcement actions. Her niece stated: "We're not even going to chance it again." On July 20, 2026, Dixon was naturalized as a U.S. citizen, reciting the Oath of Allegiance on her 66th birthday.

Timeline

Jul 20, 2026Dixon naturalized as U.S. citizen on her 66th birthday, reciting Oath of Allegiance
May 2025Judge Tammy Fitting rules Dixon should not be deported and grants relief available to lawful permanent residents; Dixon released from ICE custody at Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma
Feb 2025Lewelyn Dixon detained by CBP at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after returning from the Philippines; ICE cites embezzlement conviction

Sources

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