ICE Arrests Vietnamese National Phong Nguyen Following Texas Arson Conviction
Phong Nguyen, a Vietnamese national convicted of arson in Harris County, Texas, has been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Department of Homeland Security identified Nguyen in a January 30, 2026, announcement as part of a nationwide operation targeting foreign nationals with serious criminal records.
Deep search into Harris County legal records reveals the conviction stems from a violent disturbance reported in late 2024. During the incident, Nguyen was accused of pouring gasoline on a neighbor’s driveway and exterior walls while brandishing a samurai-style sword. Local law enforcement officers were forced to deploy a taser to subdue him after he allegedly threatened public servants and attempted to ignite the fuel.
Background information from the trial highlights significant objections raised by the defense regarding Nguyen’s capacity. During initial bond hearings, court documents indicated that Nguyen had been diagnosed with a mental illness, which his legal counsel argued was a contributing factor to the erratic behavior displayed during the standoff.
Despite these medical mitigating factors, Nguyen was convicted of the felony charge, leading to his current detention by federal immigration authorities. He is now being processed for removal proceedings alongside other individuals apprehended during the recent enforcement sweep.
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