On January 8, authorities in Vietnam demolished hundreds of homes in an area known as Loc Hung Vegetable Garden in Ho Chi Minh City. In a matter of hours, thousands of residents lost their homes. Children returned home from school to find their houses had become piles of rubble, while police prevented their parents from collecting what was left of their belongings.

The majority of the people who lost their homes were Catholic, and some were beaten and arrested on their way to morning Mass on the day of the demolition. At least 10 people who tried to stop the demolitions were detained, and the police have since stated that 20 residents will be prosecuted for obstructing officials.