The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Monday that 12 Laotian immigrants who were in the U.S. illegally and had been convicted of major crimes have been deported back to Laos.
All of them already had deportation orders from federal immigration judges, with some dating back as far as 2003.
“These criminals committed terrible acts like obstructing a murder investigation, committing child sex crimes, and drug trafficking,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Thanks to ICE law enforcement, they are no longer in our country and can’t harm American citizens.”
McLaughlin added that under President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the U.S. is not a “safe haven” for foreign criminals, even with legal challenges from activist judges.
The crimes included:
- Sai Vang, 39: Helped obstruct a murder investigation; gang member.
- Sokhorn Ngem, 56: Convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and giving sexual material to a minor.
- Lue Kong, 43: Convicted of ****** assaulting a child under 13.
- Seng Kghang, 38: Convicted of **** conduct with a child aged 13–15.
- Wa Kong Lor, 33: Convicted of vehicle break-ins, weapon offenses, and drug crimes.
- Su Yang, 47: Convicted of robbery in Toledo, Ohio.
- Fue Yang, 45: Convicted of home invasion, vehicle theft, and possession of stolen goods.
- Soun Vongrasamy, 64: Convicted of cocaine-related crimes.
- Bounthavy Phenglavanh, 45: Convicted of producing or selling ecstasy.
- Pang Ngia Hang, 54: Convicted of bank fraud.
- Sengaroun Phenglavanh, 47: Convicted of drug and firearm offenses.
- Phouvanh Manivong, 51: Convicted of felony attempted larceny and grand larceny.
DHS says it is continuing to remove immigrants with criminal convictions and is also offering a “self-deportation” option. Those without criminal records can receive $1,000 and free travel to leave the U.S., with a chance to return legally in the future.
