Secretary Noem Highlights Enforcement Case Against Laotian National Thao Pao Xiong
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has publicly highlighted the case of Thao Pao Xiong, a Laotian national identified by authorities as being in the United States without legal status. According to the Secretary’s statement, Xiong has a criminal history that includes convictions for fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, general theft, and auto theft. This announcement aligns with the Department’s ongoing emphasis on prioritizing the removal of non-citizens who have been convicted of crimes within the United States.
The focus on specific individual cases is part of a broader strategy by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to publicize removal operations and underscore strict border enforcement policies. Historically, removals to Laos have been complex due to diplomatic negotiations, though repatriation flights have continued under specific bilateral agreements. Enforcement officials maintain that removing individuals with criminal records is essential for public safety and the integrity of the immigration system.
However, immigration advocacy groups frequently raise objections to these types of high-profile enforcement announcements. Critics argue that highlighting individual criminal histories after sentences have already been served can paint a broad, negative picture of immigrant communities. Furthermore, legal observers often note that deportation proceedings function as a civil enforcement action rather than a criminal punishment, yet for the individuals involved, it is often viewed as a secondary penalty following their time in the criminal justice system. Due process advocates also continue to express concerns regarding the safety and reintegration prospects for individuals returned to Laos after long periods of residence in the United States.
