SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Advocates are desperately asking California Gov. Gavin Newsom to intervene to stop the deportation of a man who fled the Cambodian genocide as a child.
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Phoeun You, 47, was released from San Quentin State Prison earlier this year, but was immediately transferred to immigration detention.
Speaking from the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Facility in Bakersfield, You told KCBS Radio his situation is urgent. "I know the plane is going to land and pick me up any time now," he said.
He fled Cambodia as a small child, and after experiencing violence and trauma growing up in Long Beach, he got caught up with gangs and was convicted of first degree murder. He was sentenced to 35 years to life at the age of 20.
While in prison, You was involved in rehabilitation and self-help programs and worked as a journalist for the San Quentin News. After You served 25 years of his sentence, the Parole Board recommended him for early release.
Newsom agreed that You should be released, but because he is not a United States citizen, You is still not free and is now facing deportation.
Chanthon Bun, Community Advocate with Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus, called You's situation "double punishment."
"Phoeun had served his time for the crime that he committed as a youth," he told KCBS. "Upon his release date he was detained again. There's no reason why he'd be detained because the state of California already have proven that he's no longer a threat to the community."
Activists were recently notified that ICE has received travel documents for You, meaning he may be deported at any time.
"I'm asking for a pardon because I feel like I deserve a second chance," You said. "I feel like to be banned from here would be a life of punishment."
He has not been back to Cambodia since he left as a young child. "My native tongue is not strong. I don't read or write the language. I don't know anybody there." he said.
"Information regarding pardon applications is confidential and we're not able to discuss individual cases," a spokesperson for Newsom said in a statement to KCBS Radio. "The Governor regards clemency as an important part of the criminal justice system and all applications receive a thorough and careful review."
In January, the governor granted clemency to Thanh Tran, who had also been incarcerated at San Quentin and was previously profiled by KCBS Radio.
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