FOLLOWUP: West Seattle man released from ICE detention – for now – after judge’s ruling

One day after a federal-court hearing attended by an overflow crowd of supporters, Chittakone “Alan” Phetsadakone is out of ICE detention and home in West Seattle, a family friend reported in an update on this crowdfunding page. As we reported on Wednesday, he is a native of Laos who was detained by ICE at what was supposed to be a routine immigration hearing. He filed for a restraining order to stop their plans to deport him and to get him released from federal custody; his wife of more than 20 years works at Sanislo Elementary and that school’s community organized a show of “silent support” to fill (and, we’re told, overflow) the courtroom downtown on Friday. The online court docket shows that Phetsadakone’s motion was granted, so after weeks in detention in a federal facility in Tacoma, he is home this morning with his wife and their three children. This is not the final word on the case, though. Federal Judge Jamal Whitehead‘s order calls for a status report in the case by next Tuesday to determine what happens next. Phetsadakone is reported to have been in the U.S. since he was brought here as a two-year-old refugee, more than 40 years ago. The federal government is reported to be seeking deportation because of what the family friend describes as “a non-violent offense [when he was a teenager] for which he has taken full responsibility and long since served his time.” He had been in ICE detention since July.

15 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: West Seattle man released from ICE detention - for now - after judge's ruling"

  • Lauren September 6, 2025 (11:08 am)

    This makes me very proud of the west Seattle community. There’s a long road ahead for this family but this is wonderful news. 

  • KayK September 6, 2025 (11:47 am)

    “Approximately 77 million Americans, or 1 in every 3 adults, have a criminal record. A criminal record—which can be an arrest record, criminal charges, or a conviction—creates barriers to jobs, occupational licensing, housing, and higher education opportunities. “

    Source:https://www.ncsl.org/civil-and-criminal-justice/criminal-records-and-reentry-toolkit#:~:text=Approximately%2077%20million%20Americans%2C%20or,housing%2C%20and%20higher%20education%20opportunities.

  • New Deal September 6, 2025 (11:59 am)

    I am a naturalized citizen.  In my interview I was asked if I ever violated the law.  I told them I got a speeding ticket on October 31, 2005.  My interview was 2020.  I asked if that was the kind of violation they were referring to.  I got a stern “yes”.  Thankfully, my interview was pre crazy.

    • 1994 September 6, 2025 (10:21 pm)

      Pre crazy. I like that. Now are crazy times……sadly. Thank you for sharing your experience. Thank goodness for Judge Whitehead!

    • East Coast Cynic September 7, 2025 (9:24 am)

      Hopefully the present regime doesn’t get back to you for another interview.

  • Derek September 6, 2025 (12:04 pm)

    It’s a shame Ferguson isn’t doing more to insulate us from Trump nonsense at the state level like he promised. Very happy to see this but it shouldn’t have happened.

    • Do you think ICE works for Wa Gov? September 6, 2025 (4:40 pm)

      What can he do? Seriously what do you expect him as a state governor to do, in order to supersede federal enforcement?

      • Derek September 7, 2025 (1:13 am)

        I’m referring to the KWW state law he promised to adhere to to prevent federal agents from detaining if warrant isn’t obtained. Which is what is happening. This is what he said he would utilize. You can both learn the law and read his comments. He can drain resources and block all locally owned land used for detainment. Additionally not allowing access to surveillance owned by state and city. He can also appeal and fight warrants. Lots of state power can be exploited. Why can’t Ferguson do what Pritzker did with an EO?

        • The King September 7, 2025 (9:26 am)

          And explain to us why this is all necessary again? 

        • Detained at an immigration hearing September 7, 2025 (10:14 am)

          That’s federal so there was no state surveillance needed. I’m not sure what excuse they were using to even detain him other than a past incident which is reported that he served his time and has been checking in successfully since. I’m not even defending the detainment as someone who is at risk of being illegally detained myself. But if it happens, it needs to be clear it’s because of a fascist regime that people even in this state elected. 

    • Jeff September 6, 2025 (5:04 pm)

      He’s doing everything within his power, understand the law before making statements like this.

  • SlS September 6, 2025 (8:42 pm)

    Great news! I’m happy for this family and glad the judge took action. Thanks for the update.

  • East Coast Cynic September 7, 2025 (9:29 am)

    Lawyers should give their time for teach ins (with some prodding from state, county and city officials), to instruct citizens and non-citizens what their rights are under the laws and the constitution when confronting federal agents and ICE.

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