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Alabama man deported to Laos despite judge's order blocking removal

Oct 28, 2025·Location: Alabama, AL

Country of origin: Laos

Alabama man deported to Laos despite judge's order blocking removal
Photo via Associated Press

Chanthila "Shawn" Souvannarath, 44, was deported to Laos despite a federal court order issued the day before blocking his removal so he could pursue a claim of U.S. citizenship. Souvannarath was born in a refugee camp in Thailand but has lived most of his life in the United States and had been granted lawful permanent residence before his first birthday. A federal judge had directed ICE to keep him in the country while his citizenship claim was reviewed. DHS said the court order was not received until after the deportation had already taken place, according to attorneys.

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