Thanh Tuan Phan, a Vietnamese national deported to Juba by the United States, is repatriated from South Sudan to Vietnam on Friday, June 19, 2026. Photo: Madrama James/Eye Radio.

A 44-year-old Vietnamese national deported to South Sudan by the United States last year has been successfully repatriated after spending nearly a year in South Sudanese custody.

Mr. Thanh Tuan Phan departed from Juba International Airport on Friday, June 19, 2026. His return was facilitated by the Government of Vietnam in coordination with South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Mr. Phan was part of a group of eight men forcibly moved to South Sudan by the U.S. government in July 2025 under a controversial deportation program.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated at the time that the individuals had completed or nearly completed prison sentences for serious, violent crimes, including murder, sexual assault, and robbery, but were transferred to South Sudan after their respective home countries initially refused to accept them.

The South Sudanese government revealed that efforts are currently underway to repatriate the remaining individuals. Five foreign nationals from Cuba, Myanmar, and Laos remain detained under guard in the capital, Juba.

Speaking to reporters at the airport before his voluntary return, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ambassador Agok Anyar confirmed the diplomatic resolution.

“Today, one of those deportees, with the acceptance of his country, Vietnam, is voluntarily returning home to be with his family,” Ambassador Anyar stated. “We are grateful that while in our custody, Mr. Phan was very disciplined, joyful, and importantly, he remained healthy. We wish him a safe trip home.”

Mr. Phan expressed profound gratitude to both governments for coordinating his safe return, while also indicating his willingness to share the complete details of his 25-year U.S. conviction in an exclusive interview when time allows.

“I thank my government, Vietnam government, for accepting me back home to my country,” Mr. Phan said. “I thank my ambassador and the South Sudan government who have been working hard day and night to see me back home with my family, friends, and all supporters.

“I’ve been in prison for 25 years and in the law if you commit a crime, they have a right to deport you back. But to give the full detail, it takes time and time that we don’t have. And that’s why I mentioned whatever question or maybe I would love to answer whether how, why, what, when, or where.

He stated that while he is not ready to share his full story right now, doing so in the future will enable the public to better understand his situation without leaving unanswered questions.

“I would love to sit down in the future to whoever in contact and give the full interview. Because with me, I want to give the full details so people can understand not just have and basically leave a gap for people to question about it. But I’ve been 25 years in prison and one year over here, so make it 26.”

“This has been a long journey but we all know the journey must continue. Even though my chapter in South Sudan here has come to a closing, the journey will continue on. While I stayed over here,” he said.

“The South Sudanese government treated me very well. They did what they could with all their power to keep me safe and healthy. It is nothing like what people think South Sudan is. I just want to thank God for having me this day return home to family, this is a blessing. I try to hold my tears back right now because this day came with joy.”