In late August 2016, she was forced to learn about organizing when her brother, Chamroeun Phan, was detained by Immigration Customs and Enforcement. Her brother, along with 7 with other Cambodian Minnesotans were abruptly taken from their families. Family members for the 8 organized in a campaign called Release MN 8 in efforts to try and stop the deportation from happening. Montha, her husband and four children live in Rosemount, MN.