Detention of Long-Time Washington Resident Raises Concerns
Boone Morissas, a resident of Bremerton, Washington, faces the prospect of deportation following his detention during a routine immigration check, according to his family. Morissas has lived in the United States for over 40 years and has consistently complied with immigration regulations during that time.
Unexpected Detention During ICE Check
Morissas, who immigrated to the United States as a refugee from Laos at the age of five, was apprehended by federal agents on March 11 while attending an interview with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Tukwila. His family was left shocked by the sudden turn of events.
Family Left in the Dark
“He went in to check in and never came out,” recalled his wife, Emily Hassakanbouly. Family members who accompanied him reported waiting in the lobby for hours without receiving any updates from ICE regarding his status.
Current Status of Morissas
Morissas is currently being held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, where his family has been informed that he could face deportation at any moment. Hassakanbouly expressed her frustration, stating, “They don’t have to notify us about anything. They can remove him at any time.”
A Life Built in America
Morissas’ family fled Laos amidst the Vietnam War and rebuilt their lives in the United States. He dedicated over a decade to managing a Thai and Laotian restaurant in Bremerton while nurturing a large, close-knit family. His relatives describe him as a devoted father and a key figure within their family unit.
Historical Context of Detention
The basis for Morissas’ detention can be traced to a criminal case from the 1990s when he was a teenager living in Alaska. He was convicted in relation to a gun incident involving friends, although family members assert that he did not fire any shots. A significant error regarding his recorded age in refugee camp documents placed him in adult court proceedings, even though he was only 17 at the time.
Impact of Immigration Policy Changes
For nearly 30 years, Morissas complied with immigration inspections without facing detention. His family suspects that recent shifts in deportation policies are influencing the urgency of his case. Laos, which had limited cooperation regarding deportees in the past, is now accepting individuals for deportation, potentially reigniting a long-stalled case concerning Morissas.
Family’s Urgent Efforts to Challenge Conviction
Morissas’ family is actively collaborating with legal professionals to revisit the decades-old conviction. “He’s been checking in for 30 years. He’s not a danger to anyone,” Hassakanbouly emphasized, highlighting their determination to advocate for his legal rights. Meanwhile, the family continues to visit him at the Tacoma Detention Center, facing an uncertain future as they await developments in his situation.
