Expunged on paper, not in court. A Hmong dad’s detention in Michigan

In July, ICE agents arrested and detained around a dozen Hmong refugees in Detroit, some have since been deported to Laos. Several are still in custody, including Lue Yang, a father of six, and president of the Hmong Family Association of Lansing, MI. 

Yang's potential deportation could stem from a decades-old conviction that the state expunged. 

"He has literally brought our Hmong community out and gave us a voice — that we do exist in the state of Michigan," said Ann Vue, Yang's wife, on the Metro.

Aisa Villarosa, an attorney with the Asian Law Caucus, says she is concerned about the "covert nature" of many of these arrests and deportations — and the people ICE is targeting.

"We are seeing folks who are anchors of their communities, beloved family members, stripped from their families, often after decades of living peacefully in their communities," Villarosa said.

State Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) and State Sen. Stephanie Chang issued an open letter to ICE field director Kevin Raycraft, urging for the release of detained community members.

Guests: Ann Vue, wife of Lue Yang; Aisa Villarosa, attorney with Asian Law Caucus; and Michigan State Sen. Stephanie Chang. 

"The Metro" covers local and regional news and current affairs, arts and cultural events and topics, with a commitment to airing perspectives and uncovering stories underreported by mainstream media in Detroit.