Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, along with Representatives Greg Stanton and Yassamin Ansari, sent an urgent request to President Trump and cabinet officials concerning Kelly Yu's detention status, asking for a review of her case.
In their September 5 letter to President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the delegation requested consideration of Yu's circumstances.
As Cactus Politics previously reported, the business owner was detained on May 28 during a scheduled immigration check-in, despite maintaining compliance with supervision requirements for two decades. Records indicate no criminal history, and she has been consistently reporting to immigration authorities as mandated.
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Official Background
According to the lawmakers' letter, Yu maintained compliance with Immigration and Customs Enforcement requirements, including regular check-ins during her supervised release period. She was detained during her most recent scheduled appointment.
Yu is married to a U.S. citizen and has a U.S.-born daughter. The congressional representatives noted that her family relationships may provide legal avenues for permanent residency status.
The delegation detailed Yu's community activities, which include meal donations to homeless shelters, support for local high school baseball programs, and assistance to law enforcement. They characterized her as someone with established regional connections and a compliant record.
The Letter
The lawmakers' letter stated that Yu has resided in the United States longer than in her birth country, establishing family ties, community roots, employment operations, and legal compliance over her time here.
While recognizing federal enforcement priorities, the members of Congress distinguished Yu's case from criminal cases. They pointed out that she would be separated from her American family members and removed from the nation she fled as a teenager if no administrative action is taken.
“We agree on the administration focusing on removing dangerous criminals and focusing resources on those cases. But that is not what is happening in this case,” the lawmakers expressed in the letter.
