“The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Los Angeles will continue to monitor the fulfillment of rights of the two Indonesian citizens under the applicable legal system in the U.S.,” Judha Nugraha, Director for Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted in a written statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The two Indonesians arrested during the immigration raid, which sparked major protests in LA, are a 53-year-old woman, identified by the initials ESS, who is residing illegally in the U.S., and a 48-year-old man, with the initials CT, with a history of drug offenses and unlawful entry into the country.
Nugraha stated that the Indonesian Consulate General in Los Angeles is still coordinating with local authorities to ensure consular access, which is the right of both Indonesian nationals.
He also confirmed that the consulate has communicated with the families of both Indonesian citizens.
“We have received information that the two Indonesians will retain a lawyer,” he remarked.
Amid stricter immigration enforcement and raids in the U.S., the Foreign Ministry urges Indonesian citizens residing in the U.S. to ensure their visas are valid and used according to their intended purpose and to comply with local laws during their stay.
Every Indonesian citizen planning to travel to the U.S. is encouraged to prepare for stricter immigration checks upon arrival at U.S. airports.
In addition, the ministry encourages Indonesians affected by immigration policies under President Donald Trump's administration to understand their legal rights in the U.S., including the right to legal counsel and the right to contact the nearest Indonesian representative.
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Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Arie Novarina
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