ICE has deported Bou Khathavong, an illegal immigrant linked to the brutal murder of a 16-year-old boy who was beaten to death on the steps of a Philadelphia church in 1994. Khathavong, a dual citizen of Laos and Thailand, was deported to Laos in September after years of legal proceedings, according to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division in Philadelphia.
Khathavong was convicted in 1996 of criminal conspiracy in the death of Eddie Polec, a high school student who was attacked with baseball bats and other weapons while lying defenseless on the steps of Saint Cecilia’s Church. Despite desperate calls for help, the attack continued until Polec died. The case, which shocked the city of Philadelphia, has been a topic of public interest and debate for years.
Khathavong was arrested in November 1994 and was initially charged with two counts of murder, possession of an instrument of crime, and criminal conspiracy. However, he was later convicted of criminal conspiracy and sentenced to a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10 years in prison. The former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) lodged an immigration detainer against Khathavong a month after his conviction, leading to a legal battle over his deportation.
ICE noted that the deportation of Khathavong marks the culmination of efforts by ERO Philadelphia and ICE’s Removal Management Division to enforce U.S. immigration laws and ensure public safety. In a statement, ICE ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director David O’Neill expressed hope that the removal could finally bring closure to the family of Eddie Polec and the city of Philadelphia.
While the case has raised questions about immigration enforcement and public safety, it has also sparked discussions about the justice system and the long-term consequences of such legal proceedings. The deportation of Khathavong underscores the complexities of immigration law and the ongoing efforts to balance legal accountability with humanitarian considerations.