California Democrat Staffer Arrested by Immigration Authorities in Las Vegas

Ho-Yin Mo, a legislative aide to California Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani, was arrested by federal immigration authorities at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Mo lawfully entered the U.S. on Jan. 13, 2020, on a temporary basis but overstayed his visa, failing to depart by May 15, 2020. His work authorization did not confer legal status, according to the DHS.

Mo, who previously worked as a news anchor for a Chinese-language news station in San Francisco, joined Stefani's office in January 2025. Stefani represents portions of San Francisco and San Mateo County. First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli commented on X, "No one is above the law, not even the California legislature and its staff."

Assemblywoman Stefani issued a statement calling for Mo's release, describing him as "a selfless public servant and a valued, legal employee of the California State Legislature serving our San Francisco and Bay Area communities." She added that Mo brings a "unique sense of belonging" to constituents who watched him as a TV reporter. "Our whole community eagerly awaits Ho Yin’s return to his home and his job where he is loved and adored," Stefani said.

Mo also served as an outreach organizer for former San Francisco Mayor London Breed's unsuccessful 2024 reelection campaign, focusing on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. A spokesperson for Breed noted Mo's visibility as a reporter and his professional background made him a strong fit for the campaign.

The Department of Homeland Security indicated that the arrest aligns with a policy reversal aimed at preventing individuals in the U.S. illegally from flying domestically unless it is to self-deport. Mo is expected to remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.