The Trump administration has deported 12 Laotian illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes, as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues its efforts to remove criminal aliens from American streets. This marks a significant enforcement action by ICE, highlighting the administration’s ongoing focus on national security and the removal of dangerous individuals from the country.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of DHS emphasized that these deported individuals were responsible for crimes ranging from obstructing a murder investigation to child sex crimes and drug trafficking. She praised the efforts of ICE law enforcement for their role in ensuring that these individuals, described as ‘barbaric criminals,’ are no longer a threat to American citizens. The administration stressed that, despite a historic number of injunctions from activist judges, ICE continues its mission to remove criminal illegal aliens from the streets of the United States.
Among the individuals deported were Sai Vang, 39, who was convicted of aiding and obstructing an investigation into a first-degree murder, and Sokhorn Ngem, 56, who was convicted of committing sexual offenses against minors. Other notable cases include Lue Kong, 43, who was convicted of sexual abuse of a child under 13 years old, and Seng Kghang, 8, who was convicted of sexual conduct with a child between 13 and 15 years old. The list of convicts includes Su Yang, 47, convicted of robbery in Toledo, Ohio, and Fu Yang, 45, convicted of home invasion and theft-related offenses.
Bounthavy Phenglavanh, 45, was convicted for the delivery or manufacturing of ecstasy, while Pang Ngia Hang, 54, faced bank fraud charges. Sengaroun Phenglavanh, 47, was convicted on multiple drug and firearm offenses, and Phouvanh Manivong, 51, faced felony larceny charges. These cases illustrate the wide range of offenses committed by the deported individuals, many of whom were already facing removal orders dating back to 2003.
McLaughlin reiterated that under President Trump, America is not a safe haven for the world’s criminals, highlighting the administration’s continued efforts despite legal challenges. The administration’s approach has included promoting self-deportation by offering financial incentives, such as $1,000 and free travel outside the U.S., to those without criminal backgrounds for a chance to return to the country legally. These measures, according to officials, reflect the administration’s comprehensive strategy in addressing the issue of illegal immigration and ensuring public safety.
As part of a broader crackdown, the DHS has launched multiple enforcement actions, targeting the ‘worst of the worst’ criminal illegal aliens. These include various cases of child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, and violent crimes, which the administration has described as a direct threat to American citizens. The continued deportation of these individuals demonstrates the administration’s resolve to uphold the law and protect the public, even amidst ongoing legal and political challenges.