Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
After weeks of legal delays, the Department of Homeland Security has deported eight individuals to South Sudan. The deportation was carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), whose agents faced challenges due to court rulings that postponed the process.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “These sickos were finally deported to South Sudan on Independence Day,” highlighting the significance of the event occurring on a national holiday. She criticized what she described as "activist judges" for endangering law enforcement personnel and delaying the deportation of individuals with serious criminal histories.
The individuals deported include Enrique Arias-Hierro from Cuba, who was arrested in May 2025 and has a history of convictions including homicide and armed robbery. Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Quinones, also from Cuba, was arrested in April 2025 with convictions for attempted murder and drug trafficking.
Thongxay Nilakout from Laos was convicted of first-degree murder, while Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez from Mexico had a conviction for second-degree murder. Dian Peter Domach from South Sudan faced charges related to robbery and firearms possession.
Two Burmese nationals, Kyaw Mya and Nyo Myint, were convicted of sexual offenses involving minors. Lastly, Tuan Thanh Phan from Vietnam had been convicted of murder and assault.
McLaughlin expressed gratitude towards ICE agents for their efforts, stating that the deportations are crucial for maintaining public safety in America. She vowed continued efforts against legal challenges that seek to prevent such deportations.
