U.S. Citizen Deported Despite Federal Court Order — Now Stranded in Poverty and Sub-Standard Condition in Laos

I, Mr. Chanthila “Shawn” Souvannarath, a United States citizen, was deported from the United States to Laos despite a Temporary Protective Order issued by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana in Case No. 25-938-SDD-SDJ.

The order was issued by Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick, directing me to remain in the United States while proceedings were pending. According to available court records, the Temporary Protective Order (TPO) was active at the time of my removal.

Despite this federal court directive, I was forcibly removed from U.S. territory and transported to Laos, effectively preventing me from participating in my own legal proceedings. I had to leave 6 children, including a stepson I raised since he was a baby, back home.

I am now living in sub-standard conditions in Laos, residing in a small room without a bathroom, sanitation infrastructure, or reliable transportation. I have no immediate family support in the country and lack the financial means to secure adequate housing, legal representation, or return travel to the United States. Now I am in Laos — a place where I have no immediate family, no stable support, and no real way to survive.

I never thought I would have to write something like this.

But I was deported anyway.

I was taken out of the country before I could defend myself. Before I could stand in court. Before I could be heard.

I am living in a small room without a bathroom. There is no proper sanitation. Every day is uncertain. I worry about food. I worry about where I’ll sleep. I worry about how I’ll stay safe. I have no transportation and no income.

Most of all, I feel powerless.

I am a U.S. citizen who cannot return home to defend myself in an American court.

I feel cut off from my rights. From my life. From everything familiar.

It’s hard to explain the feeling of being removed from your own country while a court order said you were supposed to stay. It’s confusing. It’s frightening. It feels like my voice was taken away.

I don’t want pity.

I want the chance to stand in court and defend myself.

I want to live in safe conditions while I fight this.

I want to come home.

The situation raises serious constitutional and due process concerns, including:

• Removal of a U.S. citizen from U.S. soil

• Apparent violation of an active federal court order

• Obstruction of the individual’s ability to access the court and defend his case

Advocates are calling for:

• Immediate review of the deportation process

• Clarification from relevant federal authorities

• Safe return of Mr. Souvannarath to the United States to comply with court jurisdiction

• Protection of his constitutional rights

Funds are currently being raised to assist with emergency housing, legal expenses, and efforts to secure my lawful return to the United States.