Trump’s ICE successfully deported 12 Laotian criminals convicted of heinous crimes including child sex offenses and murder obstruction, marking a decisive victory against countries that previously refused to take back their criminal nationals.
Story Highlights
- ICE removed 12 Laotian nationals convicted of serious crimes including child sex offenses, drug trafficking, and obstructing murder investigations
- Some deportees had removal orders dating back over two decades, blocked by Laos’ previous refusal to cooperate
- Trump administration used travel bans and visa sanctions to force Laos into accepting their criminal nationals
- DHS emphasizes America is “no longer a safe haven for the world’s criminals” under Trump’s leadership
Criminals Finally Removed After Decades of Delays
On August 11, 2025, ICE successfully deported 12 Laotian nationals convicted of barbaric crimes that should outrage every American parent. These criminals committed child sex offenses, obstructed murder investigations, and engaged in drug trafficking while exploiting America’s hospitality. Some had final removal orders dating back to 2003, representing over two decades of bureaucratic failure and foreign government obstruction that kept dangerous predators in American communities.
Trump Administration Breaks Diplomatic Deadlock
The successful deportations represent a major breakthrough against Laos, which historically refused to accept their criminal nationals back. This obstruction left American communities vulnerable while convicted felons remained free. In June 2025, President Trump imposed a partial travel ban and visa sanctions on Laos, demonstrating the kind of America First diplomacy that puts pressure on foreign governments to do their job. This decisive action forced the Lao government to finally issue travel documents for deportees.
Public Safety Victory Against Criminal Aliens
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin delivered a powerful message about the deportations: “Obstructing a murder investigation, child sex crimes, and drug trafficking: These were just a few of the crimes these heinous illegal aliens committed in our country. Now these barbaric criminals are OUT of our country and can no longer prey on American citizens.” This represents exactly the kind of law enforcement Americans voted for when they elected Trump to clean up the immigration mess.
Setting Precedent for Recalcitrant Countries
Over 4,800 Laotian nationals currently have removal orders in the United States, including many from ethnic minority groups. Trump’s successful pressure campaign against Laos sends a clear message to other countries like Vietnam and Cambodia that have similarly refused to accept their criminal nationals. The administration’s use of travel bans and visa sanctions provides a powerful diplomatic tool to protect American communities from foreign criminals who have overstayed their welcome.
Restoring Law and Order to Immigration Enforcement
These deportations exemplify Trump’s commitment to prioritizing public safety over diplomatic niceties. The administration has made clear that America will no longer serve as a dumping ground for the world’s criminals. ICE continues targeting criminal aliens for removal, especially from countries that previously stonewalled deportation efforts. This represents a return to common-sense immigration enforcement that puts American families first and holds foreign governments accountable for their own nationals.
Sources:
‘Barbaric criminals’: ICE removes slew of Southeast Asian nationals convicted of serious crimes
