Community in Crisis Over Carol Hui's Detention
In the small farming town of Kennett, Missouri, a population of about 10,000, the community has been rocked by the sudden detention of Carol Hui, also known as Ming Li Hui or Carol Mayorga. For two decades, Hui has been a beloved figure, serving waffles at a local diner, raising her three children, and integrating into the tight-knit fabric of this pro-Trump stronghold. Her absence was first noticed earlier this month when she didn't show up for her shift at John's Waffle, signaling the start of a troubling ordeal for both Hui and the town that embraced her.
Hui's journey to Kennett began 20 years ago when she fled to the United States to escape abuse. Settling into the rural Missouri town, she built a life for herself and her family, becoming a familiar face to many. However, her recent detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during what she believed was a routine meeting in St. Louis to renew her immigration documents has left residents reeling. Instead of returning home, she was shackled and now faces deportation to Hong Kong, a place she hasn't called home in decades.
Local Support and National Policy Clash
The reaction in Kennett has been one of shock and solidarity. Despite the town's overwhelming support for President Donald J. Trump in the 2024 election, many residents are now questioning the harsh immigration policies being enforced under his administration. Community members have rallied to Hui's defense, raising nearly $20,000 to help fight her deportation, as reported on social media platforms like X. 'Bring Carol home,' has become a rallying cry among locals who see her as one of their own.
This case comes amidst a broader wave of ICE actions at immigration courts across the country, where arrests have increased following Trump's expansion of fast-track deportation authority shortly after taking office on January 20, 2025. Reports indicate that ICE officers have been instructed to arrest individuals immediately after judicial orders for deportation or when cases are dropped by prosecutors. While these policies aim to streamline deportations, they have sparked concern among immigrant communities and their advocates nationwide.
A Town's Regret and Broader Implications
In Kennett, the personal impact of national policy has hit hard. Residents who once voted solidly for Trump are expressing regret over the unintended consequences of their choice, particularly as it affects someone they know and love. 'No one voted to deport moms,' a sentiment echoed among locals, highlights the disconnect between political support and personal impact in this small Missouri town.
The detention of Carol Hui is not just a local story but a reflection of the broader challenges facing immigrant families under current immigration enforcement tactics. As her case unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind policy decisions. The community of Kennett continues to hope for a resolution that will bring Hui back home, while grappling with the complexities of a system that seems at odds with their values of family and neighborly support.