CA Man Detained In Vietnam; Congresswoman Warns Of Consequences

ORANGE COUNTY, CA -- An Orange County was in a Vietnam jail cell Monday after he was unlawfully detained while visiting family, loved ones said. The family of Michael Phuong Minh Nguyen, 54, said he was on vacation in the southeast Asian country when he was detained.

The family went weeks without knowing Nguyen's whereabouts after he failed to return to Orange County on a July 16. It wasn't until U.S. officials notified the family that he was detained, according to a Reuters article.

"Nguyen is under investigation for suspected activity against the Vietnamese government, but has not formally been charged with any crime," Reuters reported.

Rep. Mimi Walters (R-Irvine), who warned of consequences against the Vietnamese government, said she met with the family to discuss efforts to bring Nguyen home safely.

"I share their deep concern about his wellbeing and outrage over his imprisonment by the Vietnamese government," said Walters, who noted she will speak to the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam. "I will remain in close contact with the White House and State Department to ensure there are no bureaucratic delays. I will do everything in my power to ensure Michael is released and safely returned home to his family.”

Nguyen's detainment prompted a wave of support for the family among the Vietnamese community in California, including in Orange County, home to more than 183,000 Vietnamese. A Change.org petition had more than 11,000 signatures demanding Nguyen's release.

The news of Nguyen comes after another U.S. citizen was detained in Vietnam. William Nguyen (no relation) was released last week after he was arrested in Vietnam during a protest against the country's new economic policies with China.

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