Convicted Illegal Immigrant Pardoned By Gavin Newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to pardon a convicted attempted murderer who was in the country illegally has ignited a fierce clash between state leadership and federal immigration authorities.
The individual at the center of the controversy is Somboon Phaymany, who in 1997 was sentenced to 14 years to life after being convicted of attempted murder, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, assault with a firearm, and conspiracy to commit assault with a firearm. He was 19 years old at the time of the crimes.
In December 2025, Newsom granted Phaymany a full pardon, citing evidence of rehabilitation. In the official clemency notice, the governor wrote that Phaymany had demonstrated he is “living an upright life” and shown “fitness for restoration of civic rights and responsibilities.” Newsom emphasized that the act of clemency “does not minimize or forgive his conduct or the harm it caused,” but instead recognizes his efforts to transform his life.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, however, says the pardon carries significant immigration consequences.
According to DHS, the pardon may allow Phaymany to reopen his immigration case rather than face removal from the United States. Phaymany previously lost his green card and was placed into removal proceedings. In 2019, an immigration judge issued a final order of removal against him.
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin sharply criticized the governor’s action, arguing that the pardon eliminates the convictions that made Phaymany removable under federal immigration law. “Governor Newsom pardoning an illegal alien convicted of attempted murder, so he can remain in our country is absolute insanity,” McLaughlin said in a statement. She further accused California’s leadership of prioritizing sanctuary policies over public safety.
Federal officials have also renewed broader concerns about California’s approach to immigration enforcement. Earlier this month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sent a letter to Newsom and the state attorney general urging the state to reconsider policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Specifically, ICE sought clarity on whether California law enforcement agencies would honor immigration detainers — requests to hold undocumented individuals in custody for transfer to federal authorities.
The federal government alleges that at least 4,500 undocumented immigrants with criminal histories have been released in California without being transferred to immigration custody, though state officials have historically disputed federal characterizations of those numbers.
Phaymany applied for executive clemency earlier last year. His case now stands at the intersection of two powerful authorities: a governor’s constitutional power to pardon criminal convictions and the federal government’s authority over immigration enforcement.
While the pardon does not automatically guarantee that Phaymany will remain in the country, it may alter the legal foundation for his removal case. Whether federal immigration courts ultimately allow him to stay remains to be determined.
