An Oklahoma City family is urging federal officials to stop the deportation of Ton Vongphakdy, who was detained during his most recent immigration hearing—decades after serving time for past criminal charges. Loved ones describe the situation as heartbreaking and unjust, especially since Vongphakdy has built a life in the U.S. over more than 40 years.
Refugee Family Calls America Home
Vongphakdy’s mother, Thongkhaine Vongphakdy, fled Laos with her family during the Vietnam conflict and resettled in the U.S. in the early 1980s.
Ton arrived in America as a young child in 1981, growing up entirely in Oklahoma. His sister, Nouni, emphasized that the United States is the only home they’ve ever known.
Past Convictions Now Fuel Deportation Risk
At age 19, Ton was arrested and served around seven years for theft and drug-related offenses in the 1990s. His family says he turned his life around afterward—starting a family, purchasing a home, and becoming a positive force in his community.
Despite holding a working visa and attending scheduled immigration hearings, his past record has now placed him at risk of deportation.
Deportation to an Unfamiliar Country
The U.S. government plans to deport Ton to Laos, a country he hasn’t visited since he was a toddler. Loved ones say he does not speak, read, or write the language and has no personal connections there.
“He has no roots in Laos,” said family friend Brian Ruttman, who explained that Ton had predicted his last immigration hearing would result in detention. Ruttman recounted Ton saying goodbye at a Memorial Day barbecue.
Limited Contact Since Detention
Ton was detained following his last court appearance. His family was informed he is currently being held at a facility in Cushing, with plans to transfer him to Texas before deportation.
They’ve had no face-to-face contact since his detention, and communication has been sparse and unclear.
Ruttman has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with legal expenses, hoping to give Ton a fighting chance in immigration court.
Ton Vongphakdy’s deportation case is drawing concern from the Oklahoma community, highlighting the human impact of long-past criminal records on immigrants who have fully integrated into American life.
Despite serving his sentence and living productively in the U.S. for decades, Ton now faces removal to a country he doesn’t know. His family and supporters continue to fight for his return and are calling on the public for support.