On July 25, 2025, my husband Ung was detained by ICE just a few blocks from our home. After 18 years together, building a life and raising our two sons, Isaiah and Ismael, our family was torn apart in an instant.
Ung has been detained in El Paso, Texas for over a month, awaiting final deportation to Laos—a country he hasn’t been in for 35 years. Under this final order, he cannot come back to the United States to be reunited with his loved ones.
Every day since he’s been gone has been heartbreaking. We miss him so much. Our sons cry for their dad and the extended family is in disbelief. And for me—it’s so hard to get through each day without him here. We feel like part of us is missing.
To make matters even more urgent, Ung suffers from severe heart failure. His heart is only functioning at 30 percent. He was supposed to receive a defibrillator on September 3rd, a procedure that could save his life. Without it, he is at high risk for a heart attack. Every day we are faced with uncertainty about his wellness in a high-stress detention center, especially since ICE has rejected his cardiologist's request for medical leave. And now, instead of getting care, he’s facing deportation to a third-world country without access to advanced medical treatment.
Our greatest hope is to ultimately bring him to Guatemala, where he can receive the lifesaving treatment he needs. It's the closest and most realistic option for our family compared to Laos, but it will take resources we just don’t have right now.
We are raising funds to help cover:
- Emergency medical treatment in Guatemala, including the defibrillator and follow-up care
- Travel costs to safely get Ung from Laos to Guatemala
- Legal fees in the U.S., Guatemala, and Laos to manage his paperwork and immigration issues
- Travel and lodging so we can be with him through this
- Support for our sons, who are struggling with fear and grief
Ung is more than a husband—he is the heart of our family. He’s a father who’s always been there for his boys, a beloved father-figure to many nieces and nephews, and a man who worked hard to build a life here. Now he faces losing everything—his family, his health, his future.
We’re asking for help. If you can donate, we are deeply thankful. If you cannot, please pray for Ung and for our family. We are holding onto hope with everything we have.
Thank you for standing with us.
With all our love,
Marylupe, Isaiah, and Ismael
Organizer
Marylupe Romero
Organizer
Olney, MD