Federal immigration authorities arrested a staffer for California Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani in Las Vegas. Ho-Yin Mo, a former news anchor, became a legislative aide after working at a Chinese-language news station in San Francisco. He was taken into custody at Harry Reid International Airport.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Mo entered the U.S. legally on January 13, 2020, on a temporary basis. However, he did not leave by the required date of May 15, 2020. They noted that work authorization or a pending application does not grant legal status.
Previously a field representative for Stefani, Mo served areas in San Francisco and San Mateo County. His employment with Stefani began in January 2025. A statement from First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, emphasized that no one is above the law.
“Ho Yin is a selfless public servant and a valued, legal employee of the California State Legislature,” Stefani stated, advocating for his release. She highlighted his role in creating a connection with Chinese-American constituents.
Mo had worked on former San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s 2024 reelection campaign, focusing on outreach to Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. According to the New York Post, Mo’s hiring was seen as an opportunity due to his visibility and professional experience.
ICE is expected to keep Mo in custody pending removal proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security made it clear they have reversed previous policies allowing undocumented aliens to travel within the U.S. The current administration aims to ensure this no longer happens.