Yaay Yang, a 17-year-old from Minnesota, has taken on a new role as the man of the house after his father, Zong Yang, was deported to Laos. Zong, 48, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in February due to a felony burglary conviction from his early 20s.

A New Role

Yaay, who also goes by his middle name Aden, has been caring for his four younger brothers, including 3-year-old King, while also dealing with the pressures of being a high school senior. His mother, Linda Yang, has been raising the five boys on her own since Zong’s deportation.

Yaay’s life changed dramatically five months ago when his dad was detained. He started falling behind in school but eventually bounced back and took on more responsibilities at home, including cooking and caring for his brothers.

A Family’s Struggle

The Yang family’s story is one of struggle and resilience. Zong’s deportation has taken a toll on the family, but they are finding ways to cope. Linda’s sisters and brother have been supportive, and the family has come together to help each other out.

Yaay’s graduation party was a celebration of his achievement, but it was also a bittersweet moment for the family. Zong was not there to see his son graduate, but he did record a video message for the occasion.

Yaay’s story highlights the challenges faced by families who are affected by deportation. It also shows the importance of family and community in times of need.

Original reporting: Wisconsin Watch — read the source article.