PHILADELPHIA — ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia removed criminal alien Bou Khathavong to Laos on Sept. 2, after years of legal proceedings. Khathavong contributed to one of Philadelphia’s most shocking and senseless acts of violence — the 1994 death of Philadelphia high school student Eddie Polec, who was murdered on the steps of a local church.

“We sincerely hope that the removal of Bou Khathavong can finally help the family of Eddie Polec and the city of Philadelphia heal from one of the most horrifying crimes in Philadelphia’s history,” said ICE ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director David O’Neill. “ICE is working daily to safeguard the American public and bring justice for the families of those who are harmed by illegal aliens.”

Khathavong legally entered the United States from Laos on June 23, 1980.

On Nov. 11, 1994, Khathavong was arrested by the Philadelphia Police Department for his role in the brutal murder of Polec, 16, who was savagely beaten to death by a mob of suburban teenagers in the Fox Chase neighborhood of Philadelphia.

The brutal murder horrified the community and made national headlines. Khathavong was charged with two counts of murder, possession of an instrument of crime, and criminal conspiracy.

Reporting at the time recounted how the victim was mercilessly beaten with baseball bats and other weapons while lying defenseless on the steps of a church. Despite desperate calls for help, the attack continued until Polec succumbed to his injuries.

On March 19, 1996, Khathavong was convicted of criminal conspiracy and sentenced to a minimum of five years and a maximum of ten years in prison.

On Feb. 14, 1996, the former Immigration and Naturalization Service lodged an immigration detainer against Khathavong at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia.

On Sept. 1, 1998, INS served him with a notice to appear before an immigration judge, charging him as an aggravated felon under Section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

On Dec. 7, 2004, an immigration judge in York ordered Khathavong removed from the U.S. to Laos. Khathavong was released on an order of supervision in 2005.

After years of legal hurdles, ICE ERO Philadelphia successfully removed the dangerous criminal alien from the U.S.

Khathavong’s removal marks the culmination of efforts by ERO Philadelphia and ICE’s Removal Management Division to enforce the immigration laws of the U.S. and ensure public safety.

Members of the public with information can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form .

Learn more about ICE Philadelphia’s mission to increase public safety in our Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia communities on X at @EROPhiladelphia .