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HR 164

A resolution calling for transparency, due process, and further case-by-case review in the immigration cases of Hmong and Laotian refugees in Michigan.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 41 co-sponsors

The resolution urges federal authorities to provide transparency, protect due process, and allow case-by-case review for detained Hmong and Laotian refugees in Michigan.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
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Bill Summary · HR 164

Summary — H.R. 164 (Resolution)

Title: A resolution calling for transparency, due process, and further case-by-case review in the immigration cases of Hmong and Laotian refugees in Michigan
Classification: Resolution (non‑binding)
Introduced: September 2, 2025
Current status: Referred to Committee on Government Operations

Purpose / Intent

This resolution expresses the Michigan House’s concerns about recent detentions, transfers, and deportations of Hmong and Laotian refugees who were in Michigan, and urges federal authorities to provide greater transparency, protect due process rights, and allow additional case‑by‑case review—particularly for long‑standing Michigan residents with community ties or humanitarian histories.

Background

  • In July 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained approximately 16 Hmong and Laotian refugees in Michigan. Many were reportedly summoned for routine check‑ins and then taken into custody unexpectedly.
  • Several detainees were transferred out of state (to facilities in Texas and Louisiana) and some were deported to Laos in mid‑August 2025.
  • Community leaders and state legislators raised concerns that rapid transfers and removals impeded detainees’ ability to obtain counsel, mount defenses, or receive oversight. The U.S. has no formal repatriation agreement with Laos, which raises additional procedural questions about travel documents and notice.

Key provisions / Requests in the resolution

The resolution (non‑legally binding) calls for the following actions and information:

  • Demand transparency from federal authorities about the legal basis, procedural handling, and current detention conditions for the detained/deported Hmong and Laotian individuals — including whether appropriate warrants, notices, and other due process safeguards were observed.
  • Urge ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure detainees have prompt access to legal counsel, timely notification of family members, access to medical care, and the ability to communicate with loved ones.
  • Encourage federal authorities to permit sufficient time for individualized, case‑by‑case review of each person’s circumstances—especially for individuals with deep Michigan roots, community ties, or humanitarian histories—to consider relief options or alternatives to detention.
  • Direct that copies of the resolution be transmitted to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and Michigan’s congressional delegation.

Who would be affected

  • Directly affected: the named Hmong and Laotian detainees and their families and communities in Michigan.
  • Practically affected: ICE, DHS, legal service providers, immigrant advocates, and Michigan’s federal legislators who may be asked to respond or investigate.
  • Indirectly affected: broader refugee and immigrant communities in Michigan concerned about enforcement practices.

Legal / Procedural significance and likely impact

  • This is a state legislative resolution and is non‑binding on federal agencies; it expresses the Michigan House’s position and seeks to exert political and public pressure.
  • Potential outcomes include increased public scrutiny, requests for information from federal agencies, referrals to congressional offices for investigation, and mobilization of legal/advocacy support for affected individuals. It does not itself change federal immigration law or procedure.

Sponsors / Filing

  • The resolution text as filed lists Representative Mai Xiong as the introducer (other Michigan House members are identified in the resolution text as sponsors/co‑sponsors).
  • As provided, H.R. 164 was introduced on September 2, 2025 and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

If you want, I can prepare a short one‑page brief tailored for congressional staff or a fact sheet for community organizations summarizing the resolution’s requests and suggested next steps for oversight.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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