A Refugee’s Detention by ICE Set a Clock Ticking

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 10, 2026

Lue Yang, a Hmong refugee and Michigan resident for nearly 30 years, was detained by ICE on July 15, 2025, enforcing a deportation order stemming from a decades-old conviction. His case exposes the lasting effects of long-delayed deportation orders and the disruption federal immigration policies can cause to established families and communities.

Lue Yang, a Hmong refugee and longtime resident of Michigan, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the early hours of July 15, 2025, marking the enforcement of a deportation order that had remained dormant for more than two decades. The incident took place in the parking lot of an automotive plant in St. Johns, Michigan, following the completion of Mr. Yang’s overnight shift.

Mr. Yang, who fled Laos with his family during the war, had been living in the United States for nearly 30 years. As a teenager, he spent 10 months in jail after being caught with stolen property, including cash, electronics, and cameras, alongside three friends. Following this conviction, he lost his permanent residency status and was ordered deported to Laos. However, the government did not enforce the removal order for 23 years.

During this time, Mr. Yang rebuilt his life in Michigan. He pursued further education, married, had six children, and established himself as a leader within Lansing’s Hmong community. He complied with ICE’s requirements, attending regular check-ins and avoiding further arrests, according to his attorney Nancy Xiong.

As part of a broader deportation effort initiated under President Trump’s administration, ICE agents arrived unexpectedly to take Mr. Yang into custody. After detaining him at the plant, an agent allowed him to ride his motorcycle home in St. Johns to retrieve personal belongings. The 35-minute ride took him through rural farmland before he called his wife, Ann Vue, to come outside with their children.

Upon returning home, Mr. Yang embraced each of his children before being handcuffed and taken into custody. In a final moment with his wife, he urged her not to let him “disappear,” underscoring the uncertainty and fear often faced by immigrants subject to enforcement actions long after past convictions.

Mr. Yang’s case highlights challenges within the U.S. immigration system, particularly regarding long-standing removal orders that have not been enforced but continue to carry severe consequences. It also draws attention to the impact of federal deportation policies on families and communities that have long been integrated into American society.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.