NEW ORLEANS — Immigration officials have deported Chanthila 'Shawn' Souvannarath, a 44-year-old man living in Alabama, to Laos despite a federal court order designed to protect him from removal. The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick, highlighted Souvannarath's substantial claim to U.S. citizenship based on his upbringing and family background. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, he was granted permanent residency in the U.S. before turning one year old. His wife, Beatrice Souvannarath, communicated with him via WhatsApp soon after his deportation, expressing her heartbreak over the separation, especially for their children. The ACLU of Louisiana, which represents Souvannarath, condemned the deportation as a blatant disregard for a federal court ruling, stating that it demonstrates a dangerous trend by ICE to prioritize mass deportations over legal protections. Souvannarath had been in ICE custody since June during a routine check-in, and this incident adds to a growing list of controversial deportations, sparking fears over the treatment of individuals with potential claims to citizenship.
Father Deported to Laos Despite Court Order Protecting His Citizenship Claim
Chanthila Souvannarath was deported from the United States to Laos, ignoring a federal court order that emphasized his claim to U.S. citizenship.
Chanthila Souvannarath, a 44-year-old father living in Alabama, was deported to Laos despite a federal court order that blocked his removal due to his substantial claim for U.S. citizenship. His attorney, along with the ACLU of Louisiana, deemed this action a 'stunning violation' of legal proceedings, raising concerns over the implications for his family and the broader consequences on immigrant rights.
