Milwaukee mother faces life in Laos after deportation

In March 2025, Ma Yang, a 37-year-old Hmong-American woman, was deported to Laos after being held in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, she came to the U.S. at eight months old and eventually became a permanent resident. Her life took a drastic turn following a plea deal regarding cannabis-related charges, which led to a 30-month prison sentence. After completing her time, she was unexpectedly ordered to report to ICE, where she was detained and then deported. Since her deportation, Ma Yang has been living in a government facility near Vientiane, Laos, struggling to adapt to a country she has never known, where she speaks little of the language and has no connections. Her partner, Michael Bub, is actively raising funds to cover legal expenses for a potential fight against her deportation, as well as for her health care. Activist organizations are providing support to her family in Wisconsin, highlighting the emotional toll this separation has caused her five children, who range in age from 6 to 22. The legal landscape for Ma Yang is challenging. According to immigration lawyer Jath Shao, even if she succeeds in appealing her deportation, it would be years before she could apply to return to the U.S., with a possible timeline extending into the 2040s. This long separation from her family is a painful reality for Yang, who expresses feelings of isolation and uncertainty in Laos. Many in her community recognize the deep challenges faced by Southeast Asian Americans, particularly those of refugee backgrounds, who often deal with the repercussions of war and historical migrations. Yang’s situation reflects broader issues surrounding deportation practices under the Trump administration, where individuals are often removed despite not having strong ties to their countries of origin. Activists are concerned about the futures of many others like Yang, as thousands of Laotians remain at risk of deportation. They argue that justice for individuals in deportation proceedings is not adequately served, especially for those whose circumstances stem from complex socio-political histories and systemic barriers. As Yang's family seeks to navigate her return, they face overwhelming financial and emotional challenges, seeking both legal representation and community support to continue their fight for reunification.