ICE Arrest of Woman From Hong Kong Rocks Small Missouri Town That Went for Trump

Published: Monday, June 2, 2025 at 4:48 pm

Immigrant's Detention in Trump-Supporting Missouri Town Sparks Outcry

The arrest of Ming Li Hui, an immigrant from Hong Kong, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ignited a wave of concern in Kennett, Missouri, a town that overwhelmingly supported President Donald Trump in the last election. Hui, known locally as Carol, has lived in Kennett for two decades, working at a local restaurant and raising her three children, including a 14-year-old autistic son.

Hui was detained in April while traveling to a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services appointment. She expressed her desire to remain in the U.S. with her family, citing a longing for freedom and a better life, as she stated on "The Daily Blast" podcast.

The news of her detention has prompted a strong reaction in Kennett. Despite the town's strong support for Trump's immigration policies, many residents are expressing outrage and support for Hui. Her church organized a prayer vigil, and her employers held a fundraiser. Some residents have contacted Republican lawmakers, seeking intervention to prevent her deportation.

Hui's lawyer, Raymond Bolourtchi, has filed an emergency request to stay her deportation and reopen her immigration case. Hui's legal troubles stem from overstaying her visa and a past fraudulent marriage. She applied for asylum, which was denied, and her appeals were exhausted.

BNN's Perspective: This case highlights the complex realities of immigration enforcement. While the Trump administration's focus on stricter immigration policies resonated with many in Kennett, this situation underscores the human cost of those policies. It also reveals the potential for unexpected consequences when enforcement actions impact individuals who have become integral parts of their communities.

Keywords: ICE arrest, Ming Li Hui, Carol, Kennett Missouri, Donald Trump, immigration, deportation, asylum, Hong Kong, autistic son, employment authorization, overstayed visa, fraudulent marriage, Republican lawmakers, The Daily Blast, Missouri, Dunklin County, immigration enforcement.

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