To our incredible community of supporters,
We write today with a mix of relief, gratitude, and continued urgency. First, we must pour out our deepest thanks to every single person who has signed the petition, donated to the GoFundMe, and begun writing letters of support. Your compassion is the fuel for this fight, and Samoeuth and her children are overwhelmed with gratitude, especially for the kindness of strangers. Thank you.
Here is our critical update:
Today’s hearing was unexpected. For reasons still unclear to us, Samoeuth was not brought to the facility’s video system and could not appear. Thankfully, we had a miracle at the last minute: we successfully retained an experienced immigration attorney just the day before. Our attorney was able to appear, waive Samoeuth's presence, and, most importantly, secure a postponement of her master calendar hearing until January 22 at 9 AM. This gives us the vital time needed for the attorney to meet with Samoeuth and build a strong case.
What’s Next and The Power of Bond:
Our attorney is now filing for a bond hearing (date TBD). We are hopeful, as Samoeuth is a lawful permanent resident, not a flight risk, not a danger to the public, and has all her family and community roots here. The stakes of this bond decision are immense:
· If bond is granted, she can come home to her family, and her final hearing would likely be scheduled years into the future most likely under the next administration.
· If bond is denied, she will remain detained, with her final hearing likely occurring in just a few months.
How You Can Help Us Build the Strongest Case Possible:
1. SIGN AND SHARE THE PETITION: With our new hearing date, we have more time to gather signatures to show the judge the breadth of community support.
*** Petition Link: https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-deportation-of-samoeuth-som
2. DONATE AND SHARE THE GoFundMe: Funds are urgently needed to pay for our new attorney and to cover Samoeuth's well-being in detention (phone/iPad time, food she can eat, writing materials).
*** GoFundMe Link: https://gofund.me/b59ff094d
3. WRITE A LETTER OF SUPPORT (Updated Instructions): For the bond hearing, personal letters are powerful. Our attorney suggests including your full address and, if possible, a photocopy of your ID or getting the letter notarized for added credibility (this is optional but helpful).
· How to Submit: You can email a scan/clear photo of your signed letter to jamie.guerin413@gmail.com, drop it off locally, or mail it (please message me privately for my mailing address).
4. SHOW VIRTUAL COURTROOM SUPPORT: For future virtual hearings (like on Jan. 22), you can attend via WebEx and change your display name to “[Your Name] for Som” to show the judge a visible line of support.
While the December 31st deadline has passed, the fight is very much alive. Every signature, dollar, and letter brings us closer to keeping this family together.
From Samoeuth, her children, and all of us guiding this effort, we wish you a Happy New Year. Let’s make 2026 a year of justice, family, and healing.
With unwavering hope and gratitude,
The Family