Story perspectives

Deportation Sparks Legal Battle Over Citizenship Rights

10/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Immigration officials deported Chanthila “Shawn” Souvannarath, a 44-year-old Alabama resident who claims U.S. citizenship, to Laos despite a federal court order blocking his removal.
U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick had issued a temporary restraining order, citing potential irreparable harm from immediate deportation.
Souvannarath was born in a Thai refugee camp and has been a lawful permanent resident since infancy.
The ACLU of Louisiana condemned the action as a violation of the court order, noting tensions between immigration enforcement and judicial rulings.
His case remains unresolved as the restraining order is set to expire on November 6.

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Story summary

Immigration officials deported Chanthila “Shawn” Souvannarath, a 44-year-old Alabama resident who claims U.S. citizenship, to Laos despite a federal court order blocking his removal.
U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick had issued a temporary restraining order, citing potential irreparable harm from immediate deportation.
Souvannarath was born in a Thai refugee camp and has been a lawful permanent resident since infancy.
The ACLU of Louisiana condemned the action as a violation of the court order, noting tensions between immigration enforcement and judicial rulings.
His case remains unresolved as the restraining order is set to expire on November 6.