Individual campaigns
Phoeun You is a Cambodian genocide survivor and refugee who grew up in Long Beach, CA. His family survived the Cambodian genocide by fleeing to a refugee camp in Thailand. Upon arriving to the U.S. as a child, Phoeun faced discrimination as an immigrant. His family endured poverty and violence living in Long Beach. Phoeun joined gangs for protection and belonging. At 20, Phoeun’s only method of protection and survival was violence. Phoeun’s younger family members were bullied and attacked by a rival gang. In response to an attack on him and his family, Phoeun opened fire with a firearm that resulted in his incarceration. After serving 25 years, Phoeun was recommended for early release by the Board of Parole Hearings in recognition of his commitment to service, mentorship, and rehabilitation. On his release date, our state prison system (CDCR) cruelly contacted ICE to arrest Phoeun to detain and deport him. On August 16, Phoeun was deported to Cambodia. The fight for his homecoming continues, and people across the state are continuing to urge Gov. Newsom to pardon Phoeun so that he can reunite with his loved ones and community. Read Phoeun’s op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle and more from Prism.
Pride In Nataly
Phoeun You, ROOTs Alumni
Nataly, a transgender immigrant from El Salvador, is currently serving a 15-to-life sentence at the California Institution for Women. Enduring abuse, violence, and rape due to their gender identity, Nataly fled to Los Angeles after surviving numerous assaults at the age of 17. In Los Angeles, lacking resources and language skills, Nataly faced life on the streets, trafficking, sexual assault, and an abusive relationship. These circumstances eventually led to involvement in an assault resulting in a fatality. Convicted of 2nd degree murder, Nataly received a 15-year-to-life sentence. After 18 years in prison, Nataly became eligible for release on March 14, 2023. Governor Newsom is reviewing this decision. If upheld, Nataly would parole in early July 2023, but ICE could detain him upon release, risking deportation to El Salvador where his life would be in danger. Through rehabilitation, trauma therapy, and sincere remorse, Nataly has transformed, taking responsibility for his actions. He is prepared to return home, contribute to his family and community. Nataly shared that concealing his identity in El Salvador, even at the cost of his life, is not an option.