JERSEY CITY, New Jersey - Filipino American elected officials and immigrant-rights advocates are calling for the immediate release of Raul Raagas, a 63-year-old native of Cebu City who has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since July 24.Raagas, known to relatives and friends as “Kuya Raul,” was taken into custody while driving to work in New Jersey. He was later transferred to the CoreCivic Elizabeth Detention Center, where he remains detained as his immigration case proceeds.Jersey City Councilman-at-Large Rolando R. Lavarro Jr. and New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga said Raagas should be returned to his family, citing his decades-long residence in the United States and his deep ties to the Filipino community.“Raul belongs home with his family,” Lavarro said, describing Raagas as his constituent and “kababayan” who has spent more than three decades building a life in Jersey City.Raga, who represents Little Manila in Woodside, Queens, said Raagas was reportedly taken into ICE custody following a minor traffic infraction. He called on immigration authorities to respect Raagas’ legal and constitutional rights and allow him to remain with his family while his case is being heard.Raagas first arrived in the United States from Cebu City in 1993. He moved to Jersey City in the late 1990s, where he met his wife, Janet, raised two children and worked for years in sanitation services.The Cebuano immigrant became a longtime member of Jersey City’s Filipino American community and the primary provider for his household. His detention has left his family facing emotional and financial hardship.On July 26, members of Raagas’ family and advocates from Tanggol Migrante Northeast visited the Philippine Consulate General in New York to seek diplomatic assistance.The group requested a wellness check, help preventing Raagas from being transferred to a detention facility outside New Jersey and access to the Philippine government’s Assistance to Nationals funds.His detention has mobilized Filipino community groups and elected officials across New Jersey and New York, who argue that Raagas should be granted due process without being separated from his wife and children.Community advocates are continuing to demand that ICE release Raagas and allow the Cebu native to return home while his immigration proceedings continue.