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Judge Denies Deportation Block for Laotian Couple After Drug Convictions

4/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Tana Lin denied a request to block the deportation of Oucho Saelee and Lai Chiem Saelee, a Laotian couple living in the United States since 1980, due to their past drug convictions.
The court ruled it lacks jurisdiction to intervene in immigration enforcement actions.
Immigration authorities said they would not detain the couple without securing travel documents.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Tana Lin denied a request to block the deportation of Oucho Saelee and Lai Chiem Saelee, a Laotian couple living in the United States since 1980, due to their past drug convictions.
The court ruled it lacks jurisdiction to intervene in immigration enforcement actions.
Immigration authorities said they would not detain the couple without securing travel documents.