Published 3:17 pm Friday, April 24, 2026 Khao Niew, a stapel of Northeast Portland, is closing its food cart operations following the detention of its owner, Nong Phimmoungkhoun, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the business. The announcement was made Friday via social media, where Khao Niew shared an emotional statement confirming the detention of owner Phimmoungkhoun by ICE and the permanent closure of its Southwest Portland food cart. The post described Phimmoungkhoun as deeply valued by the community and as someone known for his humor, kindness and ability to connect with customers. “This place was more than just a business to him, it was his home, his passion, and a piece of his soul. It was where he poured his love into every dish, every conversation, and every connection he made with all of you,” the business wrote. Located near the Portland State University Library, 979 S.W. Harrison St., many students, staff and faculty shared their sadness in social media comments. A PSU School of Art, Art History and Design account posted a comment, and said “his friendship and amazing food will be sorely missed on campus.” Khao Niew is a family-owned operation that began in 2015 and includes both a brick-and-mortar restaurant and a food cart presence in Southwest Portland. Founded by siblings, the business is centered on traditional Lao cuisine and the cultural meaning behind its name — “sticky rice” — a staple food in Laos often associated with family, connection and shared meals. Phimmoungkhoun’s sibling, Ae Sangsay, owns the brick-and-mortar. “Our business was started between our siblings in 2015. Khao Niew means ‘sticky rice’ in Lao,” the restaurant explains on its website. “When we first opened, we knew that, as we venture through this journey together, we will always stick together as a family, just like sticky rice.” The business describes its food as rooted in family tradition and hospitality, aiming to introduce Portland diners to Lao flavors through dishes prepared with care and cultural significance. “We make every dish with love, and we hope that when you eat our food, you can feel and taste the love that comes from it just the way your parents would have made it for you,” the restaurant notes. The business said the cart will close permanently as the family navigates what comes next, including efforts to support Phimmoungkhoun as he prepares to relocate to Laos after being detained. A GoFundMe has been launched to assist with his transition and help him rebuild his life abroad. “He never asks for help, but we want to do everything we can to support him during this time,” an organizer wrote in the GoFundMe post. Community members have continued sharing memories and messages of support as news of the closure spreads through Portland’s food scene on social media.