Lowell inmate sues over Cambodia deportation

By Lisa Redmon

BOSTON -- A 22-year-old Lowell man has filed a federal lawsuit claiming he was ordered deported to his native Cambodia six months ago, but is still behind bars at the Suffolk County House of Correction.

Samoeun Phroeun, formerly of 38 Grace St., Lowell, was convicted in Jan. 4, 2004, of larceny and sentenced to 2 1/2 years in jail. He had returned home when officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) knocked on his door on Nov. 28, 2006, and took him into custody to be deported.

Phroeun claims in his lawsuit that he is being unlawfully detained because his country does not have a repatriation agreement with the United States, according to court documents.

Phroeun argues that "an alien" who has been detained beyond six months should be released when the government is unable to present documented confirmation that the foreign government will accept that person.

No one from ICE was available for comment.