This is our brother, Korey.

Korey is one of the gentlest people we know. He truly believes in karma and lives by it — he wouldn’t even hurt an ant. He is deeply devoted to his wife, the kind of man who addresses her as "beautiful" because his heart belongs completely to her. He is a loving father, a protective big brother, and a devoted son.

Korey gives freely of himself — his time, his energy, his skills, and even his money — to help others. He is a respected construction leader who takes pride in his work, using his hands, creativity, and attention to detail to ensure that every residential and commercial project he and his team touch is done with care and excellence. Outside of work, he regularly helps families in need by repairing and remodeling their homes so they can live with dignity or move forward to their next chapter. In his quiet moments, he finds peace in fishing and has a deep respect for nature.

Our family’s journey began long before this moment. In 1980, Korey and our parents immigrated to the United States as refugees from Laos. Our father served in a special guerrilla unit supporting the U.S. CIA during the Vietnam War. Because of his loyalty and sacrifice, our family was granted protection in the United States, as remaining in Laos posed significant danger. Our father is permanently disabled from his war injuries and still lives today with bullet fragments lodged in his head.

Korey was only four years old when he arrived in the United States. This country is the only home he truly knows. He grew up here, built his life here, raised his family here, and has spent decades contributing to the Minnesota community.

As a teenager, Korey made a mistake alongside friends and was convicted of a crime — one that would be reversible under today’s laws in California. He served his time and took full responsibility for his actions. Since then, he has complied with every requirement, maintained regular check-ins with officers, and lived a law-abiding life. He has not committed any additional crimes and poses no threat to society.

Three days before our father’s 77th birthday, ICE agents arrived at Korey’s home without a warrant and detained him. That same day, he was transferred to Texas El Paso East Montana (where most Minnesota detainees are being sent) — without due process and without the opportunity to say goodbye to his family.

Korey’s detention has caused devastating emotional, financial, and material hardship for our family. His wife and children are struggling to meet basic needs without him. Community remodeling projects have been placed on hold, families who relied on his help are waiting, and his employer is facing challenges completing multimillion-dollar construction projects in Minnesota.

We are raising funds to bring our brother home. We have hired an attorney and are preparing two additional attorneys in California to reverse his crime, if he gets released.

All donations will go toward legal fees to fight his detention and deportation. Any additional funds will help support his wife and children during this incredibly difficult time. In the worst-case scenario, if Korey is deported, remaining funds will be used to help him safely re-establish his life and continue supporting his family from afar.

Korey has already paid for a mistake made as a child. He deserves due process, dignity, and the chance to remain with the family and community he has spent his life serving.

To save on fees, you can also send financial support via:

Zelle/Paypal: [email redacted]

Venmo: @Lily-Moua-Yang

Thank you for reading, sharing, and standing with our family during this painful and uncertain time.