US authorities halt deportation of elderly Filipino over medical concerns

Rebecca Pinyerd, a 70-year-old Filipino grandmother and U.S. green card holder, has been in federal detention in Indiana for nine months and was facing deportation on the morning of Jan. 2 while suffering from serious medical conditions.

Experiencing severe kidney disease, thyroid complications, and uncontrolled blood pressure, Pinyerd’s scheduled flight was cancelled by United Airlines after receiving medical testimonies expounding the dangers of Pinyerd’s travel.

“Putting Tita Rebecca on a long flight would have exacerbated her conditions and put her life at risk,” said John Emiliano of Tanggol Migrante Chicago (TMC) during a press briefing.

The risk of venous thromboembolism, a potentially fatal blood clot condition during prolonged flights for patients like Pinyerd was confirmed by Dr. Dominic Robolino. 

According to Pinyerd’s daughter, April Lowe, the intervention provided only temporary relief.

“Right now, I’m basking in the fact that my mother has not been put on that flight, because I was supposed to travel with her,” she said.

To prevent the deportation, TMC spearheaded a national campaign coordinating calls, emails, and testimonies from medical professionals.

Joining the said movement on Dec. 30, over 300 participants, including union members, healthcare workers, and migrant advocates, participated in the national unity call to support the elderly grandmother.

“We shall keep fighting for Tita Rebecca to be treated with the care and respect she deserves and until she is free,” TMC said.

According to Pinyerd’s family, Rebecca served 19 years in prison on drug charges more than two decades ago and was released on good behavior.

She later rebuilt her life in North Carolina by actively participating in church and community activities.

“She did serve her time. So due process did its job then,” Lowe said.

Despite holding an active green card, Pinyerd was taken back into federal custody in March 2025 during required annual check-ins with the Department of Homeland Security after her release.

“My mother’s medical situation is dire,” Lowe stated, highlighting the unclear detainment of her mother.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not provided a comment, and United Airlines declined to provide a statement on the case.