On February 23, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom pardoned Somboon Phaymany, a Cambodian national and illegal alien who had been convicted of attempted murder and other serious offenses. This action has sparked significant backlash from federal authorities and raised concerns about public safety in California.
1. Details of the Case:
• Somboon Phaymany was convicted in 1997 for attempted murder, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and other crimes, leading to a 14-year-to-life sentence.
• His conviction caused him to lose his green card, and he faced deportation after a final removal order issued in 2019.
2. Governor Newsom's Pardon:
• Newsom's pardon effectively removes Phaymany's qualifying convictions for immigration purposes, enabling him to remain in California.
• The pardon has been labeled "absolute insanity" by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which argues that it protects dangerous illegal aliens at the expense of public safety.
3. Impact of Sanctuary Policies:
• Since January 2026, Newsom’s sanctuary policies have led to the release of 4,561 criminal illegal aliens into California communities, including individuals charged with serious crimes.
• This includes those involved in 31 homicides and over 661 assaults, contributing to safety concerns.
4. Federal Response:
• DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials criticized California's leadership for prioritizing sanctuary policies over federal immigration enforcement.
• A federal judge recently issued rulings against California's anti-ICE measures, as federal authorities seek to halt what they describe as a dangerous cycle of releasing criminal aliens.
5. Public Reaction:
• The pardon has generated diverse ranges of reactions, with individuals expressing anger and dismay at Newsom's decision to shield a convicted criminal from deportation.
• Critics argue that the governor's policies endanger the lives of law-abiding Californians and reflect a broader pattern of obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
Governor Gavin Newsom's pardon of Somboon Phaymany illustrates the ongoing tension between California's sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement. While Newsom aims to protect certain groups from deportation, this decision has incited outrage among federal officials and many California residents, highlighting the challenges and controversies surrounding immigration policy in the state.
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