Who is Kelly Yu? ICE Detains Restaurant Owner Mom

Kelly Yu, owner of Kawaii Sushi in Peoria, Arizona, has been held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since May 28, 2025. She was detained after a routine immigration check. Yu entered the U.S. illegally from China over 20 years ago.

Her family is not speaking to the media but appreciates public support.

Why Kelly Yu’s Case Matters

Kelly Yu’s detention highlights how federal immigration rules affect long-term residents and business owners. Yu has lived in the U.S. for 21 years. She runs a popular sushi restaurant and has American citizen children.

Her case has drawn attention from politicians and advocates across party lines. Many question why someone who has lived, worked, and paid taxes for decades can face removal.

Background: How Did Kelly Yu End Up Detained?

Yu fled China in 2004 when she was 18 and pregnant. She wanted asylum due to China’s one-child policy. A judge denied her asylum and ordered her removal in 2005. She appealed multiple times but was denied, with a final rejection in 2016.

She entered the U.S. from Mexico in 2004, according to Homeland Security. Since detention, Yu has been held at the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona.

Life in the U.S.

Yu married a U.S. citizen and has a daughter, Zita, born shortly after Yu’s arrival. Zita is a U.S. citizen and currently in college.

Yu owns and runs Kawaii Sushi in Peoria, employing dozens of workers. She is respected in her community for her contributions.

In a video from detention, Yu said, “We didn’t do anything wrong. We’re not criminals.”

Bipartisan Support for Kelly Yu

Kelly Yu has received support from both Republicans and Democrats. Lisa Everett, a Republican leader in Arizona, and Brent Peak, a Democratic activist, have worked together for Yu’s release.

Everett called Yu “everything we want in an immigrant” and praised her for giving back to the community.

Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, both Democrats, have visited Yu and promised to fight for her release. They criticized the focus on detaining non-criminal immigrants instead of real threats.

Public and Official Reactions

ICE posted on social media warning businesses to comply with immigration laws. They said they are enforcing laws fairly but do not target businesses in the IMAGE program, which promotes legal hiring.

Yu’s husband said the family is deeply hurt by her detention.

Advocates call Yu a model immigrant who has contributed to her community for over two decades without any criminal record.

What Happens Next?

Senator Gallego is meeting with Yu’s family to discuss her case. Senator Mark Kelly is pressing for more transparency and fairness in immigration detention.

Yu’s story has sparked debates on how immigration enforcement impacts families and small businesses. Many call for humane reforms that balance law enforcement with compassion.