Former Green Card Holder Self-Deports from US After Statutory Rape Conviction

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released a video on X depicting the departure of a former lawful permanent resident from the United States. The individual had been ordered removed following a conviction for statutory rape. ICE stated that the person complied with the judge's order and left for the Philippines.

Deportation officers were present at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to confirm the individual boarded the flight. The agency did not release the person's name, age, or other identifying details. Newsweek contacted ICE and the Department of Homeland Security for additional comment.

The video includes remarks from Acting Field Office Director Brian Acuna at the airport.

Acuna described the event as a departure verification for an individual with a final removal order and a prior conviction for a sex offense. He noted that the person had been released earlier while the immigration case was active, and arrangements were made for the travel. Federal immigration officers ensured compliance with the departure process.

Footage in the video shows the individual passing through airport security, with the face blurred. This process confirms adherence to the removal order without physical detention during boarding.

authorities have detained some individuals with lawful immigration status, including green card and visa holders, alongside those without legal status.

Enforcement priorities include the removal of non-citizens with final deportation orders, particularly former lawful permanent residents with criminal convictions. The Office of Homeland Security Statistics estimated there were 12.8 million lawful permanent residents, or green card holders, living in the U.S. on January 1, 2024.

The Department of Homeland Security has stated that a green card is a privilege, not a right, and can be revoked if laws are violated.