Man deported to Laos despite US court order blocking his removal, attorneys say

Immigration officials deported Chanthila “Shawn” Souvannarath, 44, to Laos despite a federal judge’s order keeping him in the U.S. while he pursued what the court called a “substantial” citizenship claim. His wife shared a WhatsApp message saying he was in Dongmakkhai, Laos. The ACLU of Louisiana called the move a “stunning violation” after he was held at a new ICE facility at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. ICE and DHS did not respond to inquiries. Judge Shelly Dick’s temporary restraining order, citing “irreparable harm,” remains in effect until Nov. 6, court records show.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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