Preface: More than 50+ community members gathered at the Hmong American Partnership center in St. Paul on March 22 for a “Know Your Rights” training led by MN8, a grassroots organization fighting deportations in Minnesota’s Southeast Asian community. The event took place amid growing concerns over increased ICE surveillance and enforcement targeting immigrant households. Montha Chum, Executive Director of Release MN8, spoke with AMA about how community members can protect themselves and their families.
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Q: Thank you for organizing the event, Montha. Can you introduce yourself and MN8?
My name is Montha Chum, Executive Director and Co-Founder of MN8. My family came to the U.S. as refugees when my brother Chamroeun and I were just babies, after our family fled the Khmer Rouge genocide and secret wars in Southeast Asia. We are here because America was there.
Fast forward to 2016, the U.S. government tried to deport my brother to a country he had never known, all because of a past mistake. They called him a Cambodian national, but Chamroeun isn’t a Cambodian national. He wasn’t even born there, never stepped foot on Cambodia’s soil. Yes, we’re Khmer by blood and history, but in every way that matters, we’re American. This is the only home we’ve ever known. Like so many refugee families, we didn’t realize we had to apply for citizenship—we thought that surviving, working, and building a life here meant we belonged.
That’s why I co-created the #ReleaseMN8 campaign: to stop my brother’s deportation and fight for families like mine, families told they don’t belong despite their sacrifices and contributions. Today, MN8 organizes to stop deportations and demand policy changes. Our communities deserve justice, not exile.
Q: There’s a lot of fear in the community about ICE raids. What should people do if ICE comes to their door?
First and foremost, stay calm. No matter your immigration status, you have rights. ICE cannot enter your home unless they have a judicial warrant signed by an immigration judge. Do not open the door—ask them to slide the warrant underneath your door. Take a picture of any and everything they show you. Get as much information as possible.
If they force their way in, clearly state and record with your phone: “I do not consent to a search. I choose to remain silent. I want a lawyer.” Never lie or provide false documents, instead it is better to say “I choose to remain silent.”
Q: Many families worry about being separated. How can they prepare in case of detention?
Well of course they are, our community members are being deported right under our noses on commercial flights. But, every household should have an emergency plan. Keep important documents—birth certificates, immigration records, A# and medical records—in a safe place where your family knows how to obtain it. Designate a trusted person to care for children or elderly relatives if someone is detained. Be sure to have a Power of Attorney in place now. Memorize the phone number of an immigration lawyer and family member.
Being prepared can make all the difference in a crisis.
Q: What legal protections exist for Southeast Asian immigrants facing deportation?
Many Cambodian, Lao, and Hmong families remain at risk due to past convictions—even for decades-old, minor offenses. That’s why it’s critical to seek legal help immediately if you’ve ever encountered law enforcement. It is better to be safe rather than getting something flagged years later. I know this firsthand with my brother’s situation and having lived it.
Organizations like the Immigrant Law Center of MN (ILCM) and ACLU provide free or low-cost legal assistance. MN8 also organizes with other local and private attorneys like Mai Neng Moua Law to provide community lawyering events and advocacy campaigns like this one, to help prevent deportations. Don’t wait—get informed about your legal options as soon as possible.
Q: How can the community stay informed and support each other?
Follow trusted local organizations like MN8 and The Immigrant Defense Network (IDN) for updates. Many ICE arrests happen because people don’t know their rights—so spread the word. Attend Know Your Rights training like this one, and if you witness ICE activity, record it safely (without interfering) and report it to MN8.
Solidarity is our strength: When we organize and fight back, we keep us safe. Our love must be stronger and larger than the hate for us.
Q: Any final words for the community?
Do not live in fear—live in preparedness. ICE relies on panic and confusion. But when you know your rights, have a plan, and stay connected, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
We’ve stopped deportations before by organizing community power—and we can do it again.
RESOURCES: How to Report ICE Activity and Get Help
1) If you or a loved one has a final removal order or is at risk of deportation, please contact us at mn8.info@proton.me with the following details:
📌 Impacted person’s name
📌 Phone number and e-mail address
📌 Preferred contact method (phone, email, text)
📌 Language(s) the impacted person speaks
2) Additional Legal Resources:
📌 Immigrant Law Center of MN: (651) 641-1011
📌 ACLU MN Intake Form: https://intake.aclu-mn.org
3) Immigration Lawyer – Mai Neng Moua Law Office : 1 612-808-9800
