Portland State food cart owner detained by ICE, business closes permanently
Apr 26, 2026 · Portland, OR, Laos

Thovatsay Phimmoungkhoun, owner of Khao Niew Lao Street Food, a food cart operating near Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The cart, known for serving Lao street food including sticky rice to PSU students, announced permanent closure following his detention. Phimmoungkhoun was transferred to a detention facility in Tacoma, Washington, and faces deportation to Laos. His family and supporters created a GoFundMe fundraiser to assist with his case.
Timeline
Apr 26, 2026—Food cart business announced permanent closure; family and supporters created GoFundMe fundraiser for his case
Apr 25, 2026—Thovatsay Phimmoungkhoun, owner of Khao Niew Lao Street Food cart at Portland State University, detained by ICE and transferred to Tacoma detention facility
Sources
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