Our family is going through an incredibly heartbreaking time. My brother-in-law was recently detained by ICE and is now facing deportation, leaving behind his wife, two sons, and his entire family. As you may know, many in the Hmong community have been deported, and right now, negativity is the last thing we need. Let’s put away the negative thoughts and comments and focus on the hardship these deportees will face heading back to a country they’re not familiar with at middle age or older.

In life, sometimes we make mistakes that we can’t change and pay with time behind bars, but not all crimes are as severe as society may think. My brother-in-law may have made mistakes, but it is nothing close to molestation, rape, or murder. Beyond being a great father, he has always been someone our family could count on. He has helped care for my mother and supported our family whenever we needed him. His kindness, responsibility, and willingness to help others have always been part of who he is.

He was only three years old when his family immigrated to the United States shortly after the end of the Vietnam War. They were part of the second wave of Hmong refugees seeking safety and a new beginning in America. Today, his entire family lives here in the United States, and he has no immediate relatives by blood in Laos. Being sent to a country where he has no close family support will make adjusting to this new life incredibly difficult and overwhelming.

We are asking for help during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation, no matter how small, will help support our family as we adjust to this sudden separation and navigate the challenges ahead. Funds will be used toward legal fees to fight deportation, or if that is not possible, to help him establish a safe place to live in Laos. If you are unable to donate, we completely understand. Sharing this fundraiser with others or keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers would mean so much to us. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during this painful time.