U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Quoc Bo Pham and Dung Quoc Pham, both Vietnamese nationals, in Westminster, Los Angeles on July 22. The operation was part of ICE's Sex Offender Arrest and Removal (SOAR) program, which focuses on identifying and arresting noncitizens who have been arrested for or convicted of sex offenses.
"The SOAR targeted enforcement effort is critical in maintaining the safety and security of our communities," said Ernesto M. Santacruz Jr., Field Office Director for Los Angeles Enforcement and Removal Operations. "Individuals who commit egregious crimes of a sexual nature, such as those committed by the Phams, will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. This program underscores our commitment to protecting the public and ensuring that those who jeopardize the well-being of others are held accountable for their actions."
ICE stated that after a detailed investigation including surveillance of their residence and activities, agents took both men into custody without incident. The two had previously been convicted in connection with kidnappings and sexual assaults that occurred in the 1980s. Their victims were six females aged between 15 and 21 years old. Both offenders were armed during the incidents.
Quoc Bo Pham was sentenced to 64 years in prison while Dung Quoc Pham received a sentence of 118 years. After serving more than 20 years each, both were paroled and added to California’s sex offender registry. Authorities indicated that after release from prison, they continued criminal activity.
According to ICE, Dung entered the United States in 1979 while Quoc arrived in 1975; both had been ordered removed by an immigration judge prior to this arrest. They will remain in ICE custody pending their removal from the country.
