My name is Asialynn, and I'm starting this GoFundMe for my father, Mao Nhean, who was recently detained by ICE. Mao is a devoted father, a kind neighbor, and someone who always offered a helping hand to those in need. On Sunday morning, January 11th, while driving home after dropping my sister off at work, Mao was nearly hit by multiple cars. After pulling over, he was approached and interrogated by several agents. He provided his ID, recorded the whole interaction and asserted his right to remain silent, requesting a lawyer. However, the situation escalated when ICE agents threatened to break his car windows if he didn't exit the vehicle. To avoid further traumatizing my 5-year-old sister in the back seat, he complied. I arrived to pick up my sister and gather information about what was happening. The agents brought my crying little sister to me and stated that my father "matched a description" and was being taken into custody.

An ICE agent provided me with an address, the Whipple Building, where he was supposedly to be processed and released. I waited outside from noon to 6 p.m., repeatedly calling for updates, but received no information. The following day, my mother informed me that he was actually being transported to Texas for processing with other detainees. This news shattered our family, especially after we had been given hope.

We had made wonderful plans for the New Year and were looking forward to a better year, but our hopes have been dashed. Mao will be forcibly separated from his family of six children, including his 5-year-old who witnessed this traumatic event, and his wife. We are raising funds to cover legal fees and other expenses to bring my father back home.