In a controversial move, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Chanthila “Shawn” Souvannarath, a 44-year-old Alabama resident, to Laos despite a federal court order halting his removal. Souvannarath, who claims U.S. citizenship, was born in a Thai refugee camp but has lived in the U.S. since infancy, holding lawful permanent resident status. U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick had issued a temporary restraining order last week, citing Souvannarath’s “substantial claim of U.S. citizenship” and the irreparable harm deportation would cause. However, ICE proceeded with the deportation, leaving his family devastated. Souvannarath’s wife, Beatrice, confirmed his arrival in Laos via a WhatsApp message. The ACLU of Louisiana, representing Souvannarath, condemned the action as a blatant violation of the court order, accusing the administration of prioritizing mass deportation over legal and constitutional obligations. This incident underscores ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary over immigration enforcement, including previous cases of U.S. citizens being wrongfully deported.