Reuters
(Sacramento, California) – California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing backlash after pardoning a man convicted of attempted murder — a move the U.S. Department of Homeland Security says could allow him to remain in the United States.
The individual, Somboon Phaymany, was convicted in 1997 of multiple felony charges, including:
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Attempted murder
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Assault with a semi-automatic firearm
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Assault with a firearm
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Conspiracy to commit assault with a firearm
He was sentenced to 14 years to life in prison.
The Pardon
In December 2025, Newsom granted Phaymany executive clemency, writing that the pardon was based on evidence that he had transformed his life and demonstrated “fitness for restoration of civic rights and responsibilities.”
Newsom emphasized in the pardon notice:
“This act of clemency for Mr. Phaymany does not minimize or forgive his conduct or the harm it caused. It does recognize the work he has done since to transform himself.”
Phaymany, who was 19 at the time of his conviction, had previously lost his green card and was placed in removal proceedings. A judge issued a final order of removal in 2019.
DHS Reaction
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security sharply criticized the decision.
DHS says the pardon allows Phaymany to reopen immigration proceedings, potentially preventing his removal from the U.S. and enabling him to remain in California communities.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called the move “absolute insanity,” accusing Newsom and other sanctuary-state leaders of putting Americans at risk.
“Governor Newsom pardoning an illegal alien convicted of attempted murder, so he can remain in our country is absolute INSANITY,” McLaughlin said. “These are the criminal illegal aliens he and his sanctuary politicians are protecting.”
She added that the pardon removed the qualifying convictions that made Phaymany deportable under federal immigration law.
Broader Immigration Tensions
The controversy comes amid ongoing friction between federal immigration authorities and California over so-called sanctuary policies.
Earlier this month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sent a letter to Newsom and California’s attorney general urging the state to comply with immigration detainers — requests that local law enforcement hold undocumented immigrants for federal pickup.
Federal officials allege that at least 4,500 undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds have been released back into communities in California.
The governor’s office has not yet publicly responded to the latest criticism.
