Full Breakdown
Governor Gretchen Whitmer Pardons Hmong Refugee Lue Yang Amid Deportation Threat
10/25/2025, 1:32:31 AM
Background on Lue Yang's Case
Lue Yang, a 47-year-old Hmong refugee and community leader from St. Johns, Michigan, has been in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since July 2025 due to a decades-old felony conviction. Yang entered the United States legally as an infant after his family fled political persecution in Laos. In 1997, he was convicted of home invasion, serving ten months in prison. Although his conviction was expunged in Michigan in 2018, federal immigration authorities continued to pursue his deportation, citing the past offense.
Governor Whitmer's Pardon
On October 23, 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer granted a pardon to Yang, effectively removing the criminal record that had made him a target for deportation. In her announcement, Whitmer described Yang as "a devoted family man and respected leader in Michigan’s Hmong community." The pardon is seen as a significant step toward securing Yang's future in the U.S., allowing his attorney to pursue citizenship and vacate the original plea deal.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
Despite the pardon, Yang remains in ICE custody, and advocates express concern about his potential deportation to Laos, a country he has never called home. His attorney, Nancy Xiong, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are in a race against time.” Yang's family and supporters are advocating for his release, fearing that if he is deported, he could face imprisonment or worse due to his advocacy for Hmong veterans in the U.S.
Community and Political Support
Yang's case has garnered significant support from local lawmakers and advocacy groups. State Rep. Mai Xiong, a fellow Hmong refugee, has been vocal in her gratitude towards Whitmer for the pardon but expressed concern about Yang's uncertain future. “It’s a very bizarre and devastating situation,” she noted, highlighting the emotional toll on Yang's family. Ann Vue, Yang's wife, called for federal officials to bring her husband home, stating, “This pardon shows the power of humanity and community.”
Criticism of Immigration Policies
Yang's situation reflects broader concerns regarding U.S. immigration policies, particularly under the Trump administration, which prioritized the removal of individuals with criminal records. Advocacy groups like Rising Voices have criticized these policies, arguing that they disproportionately affect refugees who have already served their sentences and are contributing members of their communities.
Conflicting Reports and Current Status
As of the latest updates, Yang's exact location remains unclear. Reports indicate he was placed on a flight potentially heading to Southeast Asia, but it is uncertain whether he was deplaned or transferred to another flight. Advocates continue to call for transparency from ICE regarding Yang's status and the implications of his pardon.
Conclusion
Lue Yang's case underscores the complexities of immigration law and the vulnerabilities faced by refugees in the U.S. Despite the pardon from Governor Whitmer, the threat of deportation looms large, prompting ongoing advocacy and legal efforts to secure his right to remain in the country he has called home for most of his life.
