Fyodor Dostoevsky once wrote, “The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons.” On Aug. 31, 2025, I visited the Eloy ICE Detention Facility to see detainee Kelly Yu — a Peoria restaurant owner, mother and community supporter — who has now been held for 96 days.
Kelly Yu’s story
Kelly fled China’s oppressive one-child policy at just 18 years old, pregnant and desperate for freedom. She arrived in the United States in 2004 seeking asylum. After 11 long years, her request was denied, but by then, her daughter was 11 years old and her life was firmly rooted in America.
Refusing to give up, Kelly began the process of seeking citizenship through legal immigration channels.
Over the last 21 years, Kelly has built a life defined by service, hard work and generosity. She owns a successful restaurant employing 30 people, pays her personal and business taxes faithfully, sponsors her local high school baseball team and allows police and firefighters to host fundraisers at her business…