Hello, friends and family,

We are asking for support during an extremely urgent and heartbreaking time. 

On March 17th of 2026, My Dad was detained by ICE and is now being deported to Laos. A place that is unfamiliar to him, and one that he’s not been able to return to his entire life.

Deng left Laos when he was 5 years old and arrived in the United States shortly after. It’s now been 47 years since he left Laos, and he has never gone back. Over time, his family's support in Laos has been greatly reduced. His only sister in Laos has already passed away. While Deng may have nieces and nephews, many of them have never met him, as he’s been in the United States.

Why did his family flee Laos?

Deng’s family sought refuge in Thailand to escape the communist party, who were actively killing civilians, including him and his family. From walking the jungle at night to crossing the Mekong River, to making the unimaginable decision to leave Deng’s youngest sister behind to keep their family safe. A life-threatening situation like this, no matter what the circumstances may be, is never fit for children’s lives. Deng’s family’s journey was traumatizing, treacherous, and deadly to say the least. Deng’s father and uncle were able to go back for the youngest sister, eventually reuniting her with him and his family in Thailand, a blessing by God that never goes unnoticed in this family.

His family then began their new life in the United States in 1979:

A church sponsored Deng and his family's immigration to the United States, first placing them in Chicago. Deng’s life in the U.S. was shaped by hard work and strong family ties. Deng was then released from the immigration detention center in 2001, where he was required to check in with the INS annually. For 25 unproblematic and bountiful years, Deng complied with the law, never missed a check-in. He started a family of seven resilient children with his loving wife of 27 years, Sharon, that eventually grew into 2 grandchildren; a family that will continue to grow for many years. He also worked as a cook, remodeled houses, and became everyone’s favorite host.

Deng lived as a U.S. citizen. 

Under the current administration and heartless ICE complications, Deng’s family has been in what feels like a never-ending nightmare. Though our country and certain people view Deng as an outsider, those who have had the chance to interact with him can see him for his selfless character and virtue. He is just another person who loves to help and care for people as much as he can, whenever he can. Is that not what we as humans strive to be for each other?

America is his home. This is where he has cultivated a family, a career, and, overall, a better quality of life. However, Deng’s time here has come to an end. He is in the final stage of removal and must return to Laos.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

Any donation will help Deng get on his feet in Laos. Your support can help with immediate needs such as:

• Basic essentials for relocation and arrival
• Transportation and settling-in costs
• Housing support
• Food and emergency necessities
• Getting him connected with his family that remains in the U.S. as he rebuilds his life

Deng is facing what many of us never even imagined could happen in life: leaving the family he has ever known behind and rebuilding his life after being forced to a country he has NOT lived in since he was 5 YEARS OLD.

If you’re able to donate, please do so using this GoFundMe link below. If you’re not able to donate, sharing this page with your friends and community still makes a significant difference.

Thank you for your time, compassion, and support.

— The Sounthone Family.