Summary
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported a man named Chanthila Souvannarath, despite a judge stating he had a "substantial" claim to U.S. citizenship. This action happened before ICE received a court order delaying his deportation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) criticized the move, suggesting it violated the court's order, while the government claims it acted before the order was served.
Key Facts
- Chanthila Souvannarath was born in Thailand and moved to the U.S. as a legal permanent resident when he was less than a year old.
- His attorneys argue he qualifies for derivative citizenship through his father's naturalization.
- ICE detained Souvannarath in Alabama in June due to his past criminal convictions and later deported him to Laos.
- A U.S. District Court judge had issued a temporary order on October 23 to delay his deportation.
- On October 26, Souvannarath contacted his wife from Laos, indicating he had been deported.
- The ACLU claims ICE violated the court order, but federal officials state he was deported before they received the order.
- The legal dispute raises questions about ICE's responsibility regarding court orders and jurisdiction.
