Burlington, Vermont – On June 6, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont reported that Canadian citizens Van Hoa Phung and Reason Phung pleaded guilty to criminal complaints regarding illegal entry into the United States. The charges stemmed from an incident on June 5, 2025, when U.S. Border Patrol observed a man crossing the border near Haskell Free Library in Derby Line, Vermont, an area not designated for lawful entry.
Court records reveal that after crossing the border, Van Hoa Phung entered a Red Tesla driven by his son, Reason Phung. The vehicle was later stopped by Border Patrol agents in Derby, Vermont. At this time, it was determined that Reason had previously crossed through a legal port of entry alone before picking up his father.
Reason Phung admitted to dropping off his father at the library before legally entering the U.S. and subsequently retrieving him post-illegal crossing. He initially declared visiting grandparents as his reason for entering the country but later confessed this statement was false.
Both Van Hoa Phung and Reason Phung appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on June 6 and pleaded guilty to their respective charges. They received time-served sentences.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the efforts of U.S. Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection in handling this case. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig is prosecuting, with Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels representing Van Hoa Phung and Robert Behrens representing Reason Phung.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and associated criminal activities using resources from various Department of Justice programs.
