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A staffer for a California Democratic state lawmaker was arrested by federal immigration authorities in Las Vegas, according to reports.
Ho-Yin Mo, who was a news anchor at a Chinese-language news station in San Francisco before becoming a legislative aide to California Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani, was taken into custody Thursday at Harry Reid International Airport.
“On January 13, 2020, Mo lawfully entered the U.S. on a temporary basis but illegally overstayed his welcome by failing to depart by May 15, 2020,” the Department of Homeland Security told Fox News Digital. “Work authorization or a pending application do NOT confer legal status in the United States.”
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Harry Reid airport in Las Vegas sign. (iStock)
Mo worked as a field representative for Stefani, who represents portions of San Francisco and San Mateo County. She previously served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2018 to 2024.
Mo joined Stefani’s office in January 2025, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“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 wrote on X.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Steafani called for Mo’s release.
“Ho Yin is a selfless public servant and a valued, legal employee of the California State Legislature serving our San Francisco and Bay Area communities,” she said. “When Ho Yin and I meet our Chinese-American constituents, he brings a unique sense of belonging to so many who watched him as a TV reporter. And his work goes far beyond presence.”
California state Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani speaks during a press conference at City Hall in San Francisco. Her aide, Ho-Yin Mo, a former news reporter, was arrested by ICE officers last week in Las Vegas. (San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
“Our whole community eagerly awaits Ho Yin’s return to his home and his job where he is loved and adored,” she added.
Mo previously served on former San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s unsuccessful 2024 reelection campaign as an outreach organizer focused on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, according to the New York Post.
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General view of the interior of Harry Reid international airport in Las Vegas, NV, Saturday, September 20, 2025. (Michael Anthony for Fox News Digital)
“When we learned that Mo was available, we immediately saw an opportunity to bring him on board,” Breed spokesperson Joe Arellano said at the time of Mo’s hiring. “His visibility through KTSF connects with a broad audience, and his professional background and experience made him a strong fit.”
Mo is expected to remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
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“DHS reversed the horrendous Biden-era policy that allowed aliens in our country illegally to jet around our country,” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said about the arrest. “Under President Trump, DHS will no longer tolerate this. This administration is working diligently to ensure that aliens in our country illegally can no longer fly unless it is out of our country to self-deport.”