A staffer for a California Democratic state lawmaker was arrested by federal immigration authorities in Las Vegas, according to recent reports. Ho-Yin Mo, who previously worked as a news anchor for a Chinese-language television station in San Francisco, transitioned to serving as a legislative aide to California Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani. He was taken into custody last Thursday at Harry Reid International Airport.
The Department of Homeland Security disclosed to Fox News Digital that Mo lawfully entered the United States temporarily on January 13, 2020. However, he failed to depart by May 15, 2020, hence overstaying his welcome. The department clarified that work authorization or pending applications do not confer legal status in the U.S.
“No one is above the law, not even the California legislature and its staff,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli stated publicly.
Mo had been working as a field representative for Assemblywoman Stefani, representing areas including San Francisco and San Mateo County. Stefani previously served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2018 to 2024. Mo joined her office in January 2025, as reflected in his LinkedIn profile.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Stefani called for Mo’s release, describing him as a selfless public servant and a valued employee of the California State Legislature, contributing to the San Francisco and Bay Area communities. She emphasized Mo’s unique connection with Chinese-American constituents due to his past visibility as a television reporter.
Stefani added that “Our whole community eagerly awaits Ho Yin’s return to his home and his job where he is loved and adored.” Mo had also been involved in former San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s unsuccessful 2024 reelection campaign as an outreach organizer targeting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) affirmed its stance on the arrest, mentioning the reversal of a policy from the Biden administration that permitted non-status aliens to travel within the U.S. Under President Trump, DHS is committed to ensuring that individuals in the country illegally cannot fly domestically unless self-deporting.
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