Rhode Island’s Lao community left reeling after deportations

By: Philip Eil

Outlets: Rhode Island Current

Published: January 20, 2026

Words: 2,406

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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To someone passing by the East Providence banquet hall one Sunday in October, it may have looked like a birthday or engagement party.

There were balloons, a DJ playing uptempo music, a line of people waiting with plates at the buffet. A table was piled with boxes and wrapped gifts, including Nike sneakers, restaurant gift cards, and bottles of whiskey and tequila.

And there was Olivia Detsavanh carrying her phone around the room …

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