Ke Phonhthalyhane/Laos/Aggravated Assault

Laotian national Ke Phonhthalyhane, 49, was arrested in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after federal authorities identified him as a criminal illegal alien with multiple felony convictions for violent assaults and weapons offenses. Publicly released information notes prior convictions that include aggravated assault with a weapon, additional assault counts, and weapons-related crimes tied to incidents in Michigan. Officials highlighted that his record reflects repeated unlawful weapon possession combined with violent behavior, factors that led investigators to prioritize his arrest during a recent enforcement operation.

Phonhthalyhane was taken into custody in the Grand Rapids area and placed in federal detention while his full criminal history and immigration status are reviewed in advance of removal proceedings. Authorities have indicated that, because of the combination of aggravated assault with a weapon, other assault convictions, and multiple weapons offenses, he is being treated as a high‑priority case for deportation once court and administrative processes are complete.