Arizona's political voices are rallying behind Peoria restaurant owner Kelly Yu, calling on President Donald Trump and his administration to prevent her deportation. According to a statement released by Senator Ruben Gallego's office, Yu, who has spent several months in ICE detention, boasts a clean record and firm community ties.
Yu’s case has drawn the attention of Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, along with Representatives Greg Stanton and Yassamin Ansari, who have urged the president—together with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem—to use their discretionary authority to stay or suspend her removal. Despite her full compliance with immigration laws, including routine check-ins and a clean criminal record, Yu now faces imminent deportation. In their appeal, the lawmakers highlight her deep community ties, noting not only her business that employs American workers, but also her charitable contributions, such as providing meals to homeless shelters and supporting local causes like high school baseball teams and law enforcement.
The plea from Arizona's legislative members points out that Yu's detention contradicts Trump's stated aim of focusing on removing dangerous criminals from American society. "She has no criminal history and has complied with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including routine check-ins while under supervision," the Senator's Office stated. Through their correspondence, they express that the deportation of Yu would not serve the country's interests.
The letters also recount Yu’s personal journey, noting that she fled a repressive regime as a teenager and has since built a life in the United States, where she has lived longer than in her country of origin. Over the years, she has raised a family and contributed to her community in ways that reflect American values. Now, however, she faces the prospect of being uprooted, her future resting on the administration’s discretion. Lawmakers further point out that Yu’s family includes her U.S.-born daughter and her husband, a U.S. citizen—factors that, they argue, provide her with a legitimate pathway to remain in the country.
