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Indonesian father detained by ICE, family fights deportation through legal action

Mar 27, 2026·Location: Philadelphia, PA

Country of origin: Indonesia

Indonesian father detained by ICE, family fights deportation through legal action
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Charles Wongso, an Indonesian national and longtime Philadelphia resident, was detained by ICE on December 11, 2025, while leaving for work. He was initially held at Philadelphia Federal Detention Center before being transferred to Moshannon ICE detention facility. His adult children, Jacqueline and Johnson, have been fighting to have his case reopened through proper legal channels, arguing ICE is attempting to proceed with deportation without following due process for the motion to reopen. As of March 27, 2026, his stay of removal was denied. The family is filing a Mandamus Injunction to stop the deportation and prevent a 10-year reentry ban, and has sought community support for the case.

Timeline

Mar 27, 2026—Stay of removal denied; ICE proceeds with deportation attempt
Mar 27, 2026—Family files Mandamus Injunction to stop deportation and prevent 10-year reentry ban
Dec 11, 2025—Charles Wongso detained by ICE while leaving for work; held at Philadelphia Federal Detention Center
Dec 2025—Wongso transferred to Moshannon ICE detention facility
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