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Clemency Board to Recommend Pardon for Hung Nguyen to Avert Deportation; 4–1 Vote
Summary
The Washington Clemency and Pardons Board voted 4–1 to recommend a pardon for Hung Nguyen, citing long incarceration and immigration consequences; the board attached a stipulation that Nguyen waive firearm restoration rights to avoid jeopardizing immigration status.
The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board voted to recommend a pardon for Hung Nguyen, a man serving for a 1996 shooting, forwarding the board's recommendation to Governor Jay Inslee. The board voted 4'to—2, with board member Kazi Joshua casting the lone no vote.
Petitioner counsel Michael Schmidt, of Hillis, Clark, Martin & Peterson, told the board Nguyen sought a full and unconditional pardon because an active deportation order could cause immediate removal on release; counsel said a commutation would be an alternative if the board preferred it. "If he only received a commutation of his sentence, there is a serious risk that Hung could be deported immediately after his release," Schmidt said.
Why it matters: The board's recommendation is advisory; the governor makes the final decision. For supporters, the recommendation aims to prevent Nguyen from being separated from a wife and teenage stepson and recognizes evidence of long-term rehabilitation. For opponents, the case raises questions about sentencing disparity among codefendants and recent infractions in Nguyen's prison record.
What the board heard: Nguyen addressed the panel directly, apologized and described his transformation since about 2012, including sobriety, education and mentoring others. "Prison has saved my life and changed me to a better person," he said in the hearing. Counsel displayed corrections behavior reports and argued that Nguyen had become a model inmate.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, represented by Christina Miyamasu, told the board it supports the petition despite the Seattle Police Department's letter opposing relief on public-safety grounds. Miyamasu explained differences in the codefendants' cases (jury findings on firearm allegations, appeals and plea offers) and acknowledged the SPD opposition was based on the crime's seriousness.
Board deliberations and condition: Vice Chair Doug Baldwin, who moved the recommendation, said Nguyen's long sentence and the deportation consequence created "extraordinary circumstances" warranting relief. Baldwin also proposed a stipulation that Nguyen waive firearm-restoration rights as part of the board's recommendation, so long as the waiver would not worsen immigration consequences. The motion was seconded by Rhonda Salveson and carried 4'to—2.
Votes at a glance: Motion to recommend a pardon for Hung Nguyen with a stipulation that he waive firearm-restoration rights. Ayes: Raymond Delos Reyes (Chair), Doug Baldwin Jr. (Vice Chair), Rhonda Salveson, Aileen/Eileen Flower. No: Kazi Joshua. Outcome: Recommend a pardon; forwarded to the governor's office.
Next steps: The board's recommendation will be transmitted to Governor Ferguson's office, which has the final authority to grant, deny or modify clemency.
Sources: Testimony and submissions to the Clemency and Pardons Board; statements in the December 2025 public hearing recorded by TVW.
