Chang Yang/Laos/Sexual Assault

Federal immigration agents arrested Chang Yang, a Laos national here illegally, in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, on charges of sexual assault.

Sexual assault charges are among the most serious in the criminal justice system, carrying the potential for lengthy prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration requirements. For illegal aliens arrested on such charges, the case triggers two simultaneous legal proceedings — the criminal prosecution and a federal immigration removal case moving on a separate, independent timeline. Yang now faces both.

Yang remains in ICE custody pending a hearing before a federal immigration judge. If the court orders removal, Yang would be returned to Laos.