Federal immigration authorities recently arrested a staffer working for a California Democratic state lawmaker in Las Vegas. Ho-Yin Mo, who transitioned from being a news anchor at a Chinese-language station in San Francisco to a legislative aide for Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani, was detained at Harry Reid International Airport.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Mo entered the United States legally on January 13, 2020, on a temporary basis. He failed to leave by his required date of May 15, 2020. The DHS emphasized that a pending application or work authorization does not grant legal status.

Mo was a field representative for Stefani, covering areas of San Francisco and San Mateo County. He initially joined Stefani’s office in January 2025, following her prior role on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2018 to 2024.

“No one is above the law, not even the California legislature and its staff,” wrote Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, on social media.

Assemblywoman Stefani expressed her support for Mo and called for his release, describing him as a dedicated public servant. She praised his connection with Chinese-American constituents through his previous role as a TV reporter and highlighted the community’s anticipation for his return.

Earlier, Mo contributed as an outreach organizer for former San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s reelection campaign, focusing on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. His visibility through his broadcasting role linked him with a broad audience.

Mo is currently held in ICE custody, awaiting removal proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the current administration no longer tolerates illegal aliens flying within the country unless for self-deportation.