Chhoeun v. Quinones Settlement: What Cambodian Nationals with Deportation Orders Necessitate to Recognize

On April 28, 2026, a federal court approved a landmark settlement in Chhoeun v. Quinones, a class action lawsuit that could reshape the legal landscape for Cambodian nationals living in the U.S. Under final deportation orders. The agreement mandates that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provide critical information and documents to affected individuals, offering a potential pathway to challenge their removal. Here’s what you need to know about the settlement, who qualifies, and how to take action.

Who Is Affected by the Chhoeun Settlement?

The settlement applies to Cambodian nationals who meet all three of the following criteria:

• Have a final deportation (removal) order issued by a U.S. Immigration court.
• Were previously released from immigration detention (e.g., under an order of supervision or bond).
• Remain in the U.S. As of April 28, 2026.

This group—referred to as “Group 1” in the settlement—includes individuals who may have lived in the U.S. For years or decades, often with families and established lives, but faced sudden re-detention during ICE enforcement actions. The settlement does not apply to those currently in detention or those who have already been deported.

What Does the Settlement Require of ICE?

Under the court-approved agreement, ICE must take the following steps within six months of April 28, 2026:

1. Mail a One-Time Informational Notice: ICE must send a written notice to all current class members, alerting them to their status under a final deportation order and explaining their potential legal options. The notice will include:
   • A reminder that the recipient is subject to a deportation order.
   • An explanation of what a motion to reopen is—a legal request to revisit a deportation order if new evidence or changed circumstances arise.
   • Contact information for free legal service providers who can assist with evaluating whether a motion to reopen is viable.
2. Provide Relevant Immigration Documents: Alongside the notice, ICE must include copies of key documents from the class member’s immigration file. These records may help attorneys assess whether a motion to reopen could succeed, such as:
   • Prior court decisions or orders.
   • Evidence of legal representation (or lack thereof) during immigration proceedings.
   • Records of criminal convictions that may have triggered the deportation order.
3. Share Copies with Class Counsel: ICE must also send duplicates of each notice and document to the legal team representing the class, led by the Asian Law Caucus, Sidley Austin LLP, and the named plaintiffs, Nak Kim “Rickie” Chhoeun and Mony Neth.

Why This Settlement Matters

The Chhoeun lawsuit emerged in response to a pattern of enforcement actions that disproportionately targeted Cambodian nationals with old deportation orders. Many of these individuals had lived in the U.S. For years under orders of supervision, often after serving sentences for past criminal convictions. Though, in 2017, the Trump administration pressured Cambodia to accept deportees, leading to large-scale ICE raids in Southeast Asian communities. Hundreds of Cambodian nationals were detained without warning, including some whose convictions had been overturned or ruled unconstitutional.

The lawsuit argued that ICE’s actions violated the constitutional rights of affected individuals by failing to provide notice before re-detention. The settlement does not erase deportation orders or guarantee relief, but it creates a critical window for class members to explore legal options they may not have known existed. As the Asian Law Caucus noted, the goal was to ensure that Cambodian nationals “have an opportunity to explore legal challenges to deportation” before being removed from the country.

What Should Class Members Do Next?

If you believe you qualify for the settlement, here’s how to take action:

1. Wait for the Notice

ICE is required to mail notices within six months of April 28, 2026. If you are a class member, you should receive a packet containing the informational notice and your immigration documents. Keep an eye on your mail, and ensure ICE has your current address. If you move, update your address with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or through your legal representative.

2. Review Your Documents

The documents provided by ICE may reveal critical details about your case, such as:

• Whether your deportation order was based on a conviction that has since been vacated or expunged.
• Whether you were denied due process during your immigration proceedings (e.g., lack of legal representation).
• Whether new evidence or changed circumstances (e.g., family ties, rehabilitation, or community contributions) could support a motion to reopen.

3. Seek Legal Assistance

The settlement notice will include a list of free or low-cost legal service providers who can help evaluate your case. Some organizations to consider include:

• Asian Law Caucus (San Francisco, CA)
• National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild (National)
• Immigrant Defense Project (New York, NY)
• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) (National)

Many of these organizations have experience with motions to reopen and can help determine whether your case has merit.

4. Act Quickly

If you receive a notice, do not delay in seeking legal advice. Motions to reopen must typically be filed within a specific timeframe, and the process can take months. Even if you are unsure whether you qualify for relief, consulting an attorney can help clarify your options.

Key Takeaways

• The Chhoeun v. Quinones settlement applies to Cambodian nationals with final deportation orders who were previously released from immigration detention.
• ICE must send an informational notice and relevant documents to all class members within six months of April 28, 2026.
• The notice will explain legal options, including motions to reopen deportation orders, and provide contact information for free legal assistance.
• The settlement does not guarantee relief but creates an opportunity for class members to challenge their deportation orders.
• If you believe you qualify, update your address with USCIS, watch for the notice, and consult a legal service provider as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t receive a notice?

If you believe you qualify for the settlement but do not receive a notice within six months, contact the Asian Law Caucus or another legal service provider. They can help verify your status and request your documents from ICE.

Can I still be deported while waiting for the notice?

Yes. The settlement does not halt deportation proceedings. If you are at risk of imminent removal, seek legal assistance immediately to explore all available options, including emergency motions or stays of removal.

What if my conviction was overturned or expunged?

If your deportation order was based on a criminal conviction that has since been vacated, expunged, or ruled unconstitutional, you may have strong grounds for a motion to reopen. The documents provided by ICE should help clarify your legal standing.

Does the settlement apply to other Southeast Asian nationals?

No. The settlement specifically applies to Cambodian nationals. However, other communities, such as Vietnamese or Laotian nationals, have faced similar enforcement actions and may have separate legal avenues for relief. Consult an immigration attorney for guidance.

What if I’m already in detention?

The settlement applies only to individuals who were released from detention as of April 28, 2026. If you are currently detained, you may still have legal options, but you should consult an attorney immediately to discuss your case.

Looking Ahead

The Chhoeun v. Quinones settlement represents a rare but significant victory for Cambodian nationals navigating the U.S. Immigration system. While it does not erase the challenges of deportation orders, it provides a critical tool for those who may have been unaware of their legal options. For many, this could mean the difference between separation from their families and the chance to remain in the country they call home.

As the settlement rolls out, affected individuals and advocates will be watching closely to ensure ICE complies with its obligations. If you or someone you know may qualify, now is the time to prepare, seek legal advice, and take action.