Relatives of Two Americans Detained in China Appeal to Trump Ahead of Xi Summit

The families of two Americans imprisoned in China for more than a decade are urging U.S. President Donald Trump to seek their release during his upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

The cases involve Dawn Michelle Hunt, a 54-year-old former flight attendant and artist from the Chicago area, and Nelson Wells Jr., a 52-year-old Louisiana father of three. Both were convicted on drug trafficking charges after what their families describe as separate “blind mule” scams, where they unknowingly transported luggage containing narcotics.

Relatives of the detainees say they are hoping Trump’s face-to-face meeting with Xi could create an opportunity for a humanitarian release amid already tense U.S.-China relations over trade, Taiwan and security issues.

“With President Trump meeting President Xi, our two families are writing letters,” said Tim Hunt, Dawn Michelle Hunt’s brother, according to Reuters. “Can you please ask for the release of our loved ones?”

The families say both Americans are suffering from serious health problems while in prison. Hunt reportedly requires blood transfusions and is reluctant to undergo surgery due to concerns about medical care in prison. Wells Jr. is said to suffer from seizures, diabetes, high blood pressure and other complications.

Advocates involved in the cases claim the U.S. State Department has formally requested humanitarian releases from Chinese authorities. According to Beijing-based lawyer James Zimmerman, Chinese officials have privately indicated they may consider such a move if the request comes from senior U.S. leadership.

China’s Foreign Ministry has defended the convictions, stating that both Americans were sentenced for serious drug-related offenses and that Chinese authorities are handling the cases according to the law while protecting their legal rights and health.

The families argue the emotional toll has been devastating. Wells Jr.’s youngest daughter was only six months old when he was arrested and has barely known her father, while Tim Hunt said his own father died earlier this year without seeing his daughter freed.

Human rights advocates say the cases gained wider international attention after congressional hearings in 2024 focused on Americans detained in China. Proposed U.S. legislation named after Hunt and Wells also seeks to improve support for families dealing with wrongful detentions abroad.

The appeals come as Trump prepares for high-stakes talks with Xi expected to focus primarily on trade disputes, regional security and economic tensions between Washington and Beijing. Analysts say any humanitarian release could be viewed as a rare diplomatic goodwill gesture between the two powers.