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When ICE came for her husband, Linda Yang negotiated one more day with him. But their luck wouldn’t last.
By Katelyn Vue at Sahan Journal
· June 22, 2026
· 18 min read
Credit: Pachia Xiong
Taken: A family’s story of deportation is an occasional series that will publish throughout the year following the Yang family as they navigate a new normal without husband and father, Zong, who was deported to Laos in May. Linda Yang is now raising their sons alone in So...
Key takeaway Paul, juggling the needs of a recent high school graduate and four other boys ranging in age from 3 to 15.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The Yang family's story is a stark reminder of the human impact of deportation policies on Minneapolis -St. Paul area families. As the Twin Cities' Hmong community continues to grow and thrive, cases like Zong's deportation to Laos highlight the complexities of immigration enforcement in the region. The fact that federal immigration agents were watching the Yang's South St. Paul home and confronted Linda on her way to work suggests a level of surveillance and coordination that can be unsettling for local residents. With Linda now raising their five sons alone, the community will likely rally around the family to provide support and resources. The Yangs' experience will also likely resonate with other local families who are navigating the complexities of the immigration system, and may spark further conversations about the need for immigration reform and community support for affected families.
About this story
Original reporting by Sahan Journal . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Sahan Journal . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Sahan Journal ·
Reading time: 18 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Credit: Pachia Xiong
Taken: A family’s story of deportation is an occasional series that will publish throughout the year following the Yang family as they navigate a new normal without husband and father, Zong, who was deported to Laos in May. Linda Yang is now raising their sons alone in So...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by Sahan Journal and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Katelyn Vue at Sahan Journal. To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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