Help Bring Lou Lee Home to His Family

My name is Panou Vang, and I am the wife of Lou Lee. On Wednesday, February 4, Lou—known to many as TK—went to his routine annual immigration check-in… and never came home. He was detained by ICE and transferred to Texas the same day.

Our family was shattered in an instant. We have no timeline, no answers, and no idea when—or if—Lou will be deported to Laos, a country he has never known.

Our two young children with serious heart conditions, our elderly parents in their 80s, and our extended family are living in fear, confusion, and heartbreak. Lou’s sudden absence has left a devastating emotional and financial void, as he has been the primary provider and emotional anchor for our household.

Who Lou Is

Lou is a devoted husband, father, brother, and son, and a man known for serving others in their time of need. He was born while his parents were fleeing persecution after the Vietnam War and came to the United States as a refugee at age five, growing up in a family with very limited resources.

Despite a life-altering injustice in 2001, when Lou was wrongfully charged and incarcerated due to a racially charged incident, he has lived a law-abiding, responsible life ever since. Lou has dedicated himself to his family, his work, and his community, becoming a role model for his children and everyone around him.

A Devoted Family Man

Lou is the loving husband to me and devoted father to three biological children and four stepchildren. He is the steady, nurturing presence that holds our home together.

We also care for Lou’s elderly parents, both 82, who depend on our daily support.

Five months ago, we suffered the heartbreaking loss of an unborn child, and now Lou’s detention has added fear, uncertainty, and unbearable emotional weight to our family.

Serious Medical Needs

Both of our young children have life-threatening heart conditions:

Our two-year-old daughter has a heart blockage that causes her heart to beat too slowly, restricting blood flow and causing chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Our one-year-old son has cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart’s left pumping chamber becomes enlarged and weakened, reducing circulation and putting him at serious risk every day.

Lou has always been our emotional anchor, especially through these medical challenges. His absence is terrifying.

Why We Need Your Help

Without Lou at home, we are facing overwhelming financial and emotional challenges. He was the primary earner, and his sudden detention has left us struggling to cover basic living expenses, medical care, and household needs.

Funds raised will go toward:

Immediate living expenses for our children and elderly parents

Legal and immigration costs, in the hope—God willing—that Lou can come home

Emergency medical and household expenses

Critical support if deportation occurs, as Lou would be sent to Laos with no home, no resources, and no support system

Time Is Not on Our Side

Every moment Lou is away, our family is at risk of losing our home, stability, and sense of safety. The uncertainty is crushing, and we are fighting every day just to keep our family together.

How You Can Help

We are asking for your urgent support:

Donate: Every dollar helps us survive and fight for Lou’s return.

Share: Share our story far and wide—every post and message could reach someone who can make a difference.

Pray: Your prayers give us strength during this devastating time.

Please, act now. Time is running out. Our family is fighting to stay together, and we cannot do this without you.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your compassion, generosity, and prayers.

We are forever grateful for your help and kindness,

Panou, Lou, and Family