A staff member for a California Democratic lawmaker was taken into custody by federal immigration officials in Las Vegas, according to reports.
Ho-Yin Mo, a former anchor at a Chinese-language television station in San Francisco, was arrested Thursday at Harry Reid International Airport. Mo later became a legislative aide to California Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani.
The Department of Homeland Security told News Media that Mo entered the United States legally on Jan. 13, 2020, but remained after his temporary authorization expired on May 15 of that year. “Work authorization or a pending application do NOT confer legal status in the United States,” the agency said.
Harry Reid airport in Las Vegas sign. (iStock)
Mo served as a field representative for Stefani, whose district includes parts of San Francisco and San Mateo County. Before joining the Assembly, Stefani represented San Francisco on the city’s Board of Supervisors from 2018 through 2024.
According to Mo’s LinkedIn profile, he began working in Stefani’s office in January 2025.
“No one is above the law, not even the California legislature and its staff,” Bill Essayli, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, posted on X.
Stefani issued a statement calling for Mo to be released.
“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.”
CONTINUE READING: Jehovah’s Witnesses Ease Restrictions on Certain Blood Treatments
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,” Stefani added.
Before working for Stefani, Mo was an outreach organizer for former San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s unsuccessful 2024 reelection campaign, where he focused on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, according to the New York Post.
General view of the interior of Harry Reid international airport in Las Vegas, NV, Saturday, September 20, 2025. (Michael Anthony for News Media)
When Breed’s campaign hired Mo, spokesperson Joe Arellano said his time at KTSF had given him strong name recognition among a wide audience. Arellano also cited Mo’s professional experience and background as reasons he was considered a good fit for the role.
Mo is expected to remain in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody while his removal case moves forward.
DHS said the arrest reflected a policy shift from the Biden administration, claiming the previous approach allowed people who were unlawfully in the country to travel by air within the United States. “Under President Trump, DHS will no longer tolerate this,” the agency said, adding that it intends to prevent people in the country illegally from flying unless they are leaving the United States to self-deport.