ICE removes slew of Southeast Asian nationals convicted of serious crimes

The Department of Homeland Security announced Monday that a group of 12 Laotian nationals convicted of serious crimes had been deported back to Laos. All of them had prior removal orders issued by federal immigration judges, with some cases dating as far back as 2003.

In a statement, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the deportees as dangerous criminals guilty of crimes such as obstructing murder investigations, child sex offenses, and drug trafficking. She praised ICE officers for removing them from the country, declaring they could no longer endanger American citizens.

McLaughlin further emphasized that under President Trump and Secretary Noem, the United States would not serve as a refuge for violent offenders. Despite legal challenges from judges, she said ICE continued its work to deport criminal aliens from American communities.

Among those deported was 39-year-old Sai Vang, convicted of aiding and obstructing a murder investigation and identified as a gang member. Another, 56-year-old Sokhorn Ngem, was convicted of child sexual assault and distributing explicit material to a minor.

Others included Lue Kong, 43, convicted of assaulting a child under 13, and Seng Kghang, 38, guilty of sexual misconduct with a teenager. Several others faced charges involving weapons, drugs, robbery, and burglary, including Su Yang, 47, and Fue Yang, 45.

Additional deportees faced convictions for narcotics trafficking, bank fraud, and firearm offenses. Their crimes ranged from cocaine distribution to large-scale theft.

The Trump administration has highlighted these removals as proof of strict enforcement. At the same time, DHS has encouraged voluntary departures by offering \$1,000 and free travel to undocumented immigrants without criminal records, allowing them a chance to reenter the U.S. legally in the future.