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Family Seeks Pardon After Vietnamese Migrant’s Deportation to Africa
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Africa despite his lack of ties there.">
seattle, WA – Protesters rallied outside Washington Governor Bob Ferguson’s office Tuesday, demanding intervention in the case of Tuan Phan, a Vietnamese migrant facing deportation to East Africa despite having no connections to the region. Phan’s case highlights concerns about due process and the potential for migrants to be deported to countries unrelated to their origin.
The Deportation Details
Tuan Phan, after serving over 20 years for frist-degree murder and second-degree assault, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March following his release from an Eastern Washington prison. His family anticipated his deportation to vietnam. Rather, Phan and seven other formerly incarcerated individuals were placed on a flight initially bound for South Sudan, but ultimately diverted to Djibouti, East Africa, where he remains in custody.
Did You Know? Deportation, especially when linked to forced labor, violates Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights [1].
Phan’s Current Situation
“My husband is currently on a U.S. Navy base in Djibouti, East Africa,” stated Phan’s wife, Gnoc Phan. “He’s living in a shipping container in shackles, awaiting the court process.” Gnoc Phan led the demonstration, seeking a meeting with Governor Ferguson, but was informed he was not present. She expressed her disappointment, pleading with the governor to meet and discuss her husband’s situation, emphasizing that “his life is at stake.”
Call for a Gubernatorial Pardon
Gnoc Phan and her supporters are imploring Governor Ferguson to issue a pardon, believing it could facilitate Tuan Phan’s return to the United States. Devon Knowles, a public defender with the Washington Appellate Project familiar with Phan’s case, considers a pardon the only “meaningful and timely” legal option available.
Pro Tip: A gubernatorial pardon is an official act of forgiveness that can restore some of a person’s rights lost due to a criminal conviction.
Fears of Transfer to South Sudan
Knowles and Gnoc Phan are concerned about a potential transfer to South Sudan. “We are deeply concerned that if he is transferred to South Sudan, he could face torture or even death in prison,” Knowles stated.
Governor’s Office Response
KING 5 reached out to the governor’s office,receiving a statement from a spokesperson: “I can confirm that a member of the governor’s team has met with Mr. Phan’s family within the past week. Washington state has
