Doraville, July 15, 2025 — In a case drawing national attention, immigrant rights advocates are urgently calling for the release of Alma Bowman Sorrella, a longtime U.S. resident and whistleblower who is currently detained at the ICE's Stewart Detention Center under what supporters describe as dangerous and degrading conditions.
Alma was previously held from 2017 to 2020 at the now-shuttered Irwin County Detention Center—an ICE facility at the center of a national scandal involving non-consensual gynecological procedures. Alma was among the first to speak out, making her a key figure in the shutdown of Irwin. Now, her supporters fear she is being punished for that bravery.
“She blew the whistle and paid the price,” said one of the organizer. “Now she’s back in detention—with health conditions ICE is ignoring.”
The 58-year-old mother of two adult children was re-detained on March 26 after reporting for a routine ICE check-in, despite her ongoing medical issues and a legal claim to U.S. citizenship through her American father. She had recently been discharged from a hospital when ICE took her into custody. Since then, supporters say, she has faced delayed access to medication, poor nutrition, and repeated barriers to receiving adequate medical care.
Alma’s case is one of a growing number of detentions that activists say reflect systemic failures in how ICE handles immigrant women, particularly those with pending legal claims and medical needs.
At a Filipino Townhall gathering of advocates, community members, and legal allies, Alma’s supporters launched a renewed campaign for her release. The event, held at a restaurant, included a know-your-rights workshop, fundraising efforts, and heartfelt testimony from Chris, Alma's son who described her resilience and the impact of her absence.
“She used to watch movies with me every week. She loves classic films,” Chris shared. “Now she’s sitting in detention, helping others while her own health is deteriorating.”
Alma is known for her advocacy, even within detention. Fellow detainees rely on her for guidance and moral support, according to speakers. Despite being denied the care she needs, she continues to help others navigate a system stacked against them.
Her legal team argues that Alma's detention is unnecessary and unlawful, citing her health condition, family ties, and eligibility for citizenship. A decision on her case is expected by July 25.
The movement for Alma’s release has quickly gained momentum, fueled by her history as a whistleblower and the broader push to reform immigration detention practices in Georgia. Her case is part of a larger national reckoning with the treatment of immigrant women in ICE custody—an issue that particularly affects women of color.
Among the evening’s speakers were Representative Marvin Lim, the first Filipino American elected to the state council, and Alex Smoyar, a litigation fellow at Asian American Advancing Justice Atlanta and civil rights attorney.
“We are here not just for Alma,” said Smoyar. “We are here to expose an immigration system that continues to harm people with impunity—and to demand accountability.”
Attendees were encouraged to write letters to Alma, donate to her legal fund, and share her story widely. Organizers stressed that public pressure played a key role in previous releases from the same facility.
For Georgia’s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, Ava’s case hits close to home. It reflects broader struggles around citizenship, identity, and justice in an increasingly complex immigration landscape.
“She is a mother, a daughter, a fighter,” one speaker said. “And she deserves to come home.”
Alma’s case continues to mobilize immigrant communities across Georgia, with activists vowing to keep up the pressure until she is free.
