Federal immigration authorities have arrested a Laotian national with a history of violent and sexual offenses in Michigan.
Chanthala Bouathong, 51, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Detroit field office on August 20.
According to ICE, Bouathong is a previously convicted criminal alien with a record including three separate counts of failing to fulfill sex offender reporting requirements. In addition, he has been convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace.
Bouathong’s repeated failures to comply with sex offender registry laws marked him as a priority for ICE operations. Under federal immigration law, such violations and his criminal background render him subject to removal from the United States.
“ICE continues to prioritize the removal of criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety,” the agency stated in its public safety enforcement bulletin, known as the “Worst of the Worst” list.
Second-degree criminal sexual conduct is a felony offense under Michigan law, often involving sexual contact with force or coercion, or with a person who is legally incapacitated. ICE officials did not disclose the dates of Bouathong’s convictions but confirmed his detention followed routine coordination with local law enforcement.
Bouathong is now in federal custody and is expected to face removal proceedings. His case highlights ongoing efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to target criminal noncitizens for enforcement action, especially those with histories of violence or sexual predation.
In recent months, ICE’s Detroit field office has conducted multiple operations focused on public safety threats, many of which include individuals with prior felony convictions, sex offenses, or a demonstrated failure to comply with U.S. law.
