My name is Ailynn and I have created this GoFundMe in hopes of raising funds for my father who was detained by ICE in Minnesota on January 21st, 2026.
We are reaching out because we have truly hit a wall and don’t know where else to turn.
My dad has lived in the United States since 1987 — nearly four decades. This is the only home he knows. He built his entire life here, worked here, paid taxes here, and contributed to this country in every way he could.
Recently, my dad was detained by ICE after years of regularly checking in with immigration without issue. He is currently being held in El Paso, Texas, far from his family. We are urgently trying to secure legal help, but the cost of immigration attorneys is far beyond what our family can afford.
In the early 2000s, my dad made serious mistakes that resulted in a criminal history. He served his time and paid his debt. Since then — for nearly 20 years — he has stayed out of trouble, complied with every requirement asked of him, and worked hard to live a lawful, honest life. He has been under immigration supervision for years and never missed a check-in.
To support himself, my dad works as a DoorDash and Uber driver, often 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. He pays his taxes. He doesn’t ask for help. He believes deeply in working hard and taking responsibility — everything we are taught an “American life” is built on.
Despite this, he is now facing deportation to Vietnam — a country he has not lived in since the 1980s, and where he does not have citizenship. He was pressured into signing a voluntary removal document while detained and without legal counsel, and we are now desperately trying to understand his options and protect his rights in addition to having his supervision order revoked.
The funds raised will be used for:
- Immigration legal representation or pro bono assistance coordination
- Emergency legal filings (stay of removal, motions, court filings)
- If deportation happens, helping him survive and rebuild from nothing
We never wanted to ask for money. This is incredibly hard and humbling for our family. But without help, we may lose our father to a country that no longer feels like home.
Any support, whether through donations or simply sharing this page, means more than we can put into words. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for holding space for our family during one of the most frightening moments of our lives.
With gratitude,
Ailynn