Kaneung Southivongnorath/Laos/Conspiracy to Steal Firearms, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Drug Possession

In July 2025, ICE New Orleans arrested Kaneung Southivongnorath, a citizen of Laos, who is illegally present in the United States. Southivongnorath has a serious criminal history that includes felony convictions for conspiracy to steal firearms, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance.

Southivongnorath was convicted in a firearms theft conspiracy case, where he and others plotted to steal weapons—an offense that poses a significant danger to public safety. In addition to that felony, he was separately convicted of possessing a firearm despite being a prohibited person due to his prior record. That offense alone is a federal crime under U.S. law. He was also convicted of drug possession involving a Schedule VI substance, further adding to his criminal profile.

Following completion of his sentence, Southivongnorath was taken into ICE custody and is being held pending removal proceedings. His convictions—particularly those involving firearms—qualify as aggravated felonies under immigration law, making him ineligible for most immigration relief and subject to mandatory removal.

ICE has confirmed that Southivongnorath will remain in detention through the course of his immigration case. The agency continues to prioritize the arrest and removal of foreign nationals with serious convictions, especially those involving weapons offenses.