California Lawmaker’s Staffer Arrested for Visa Overstay
Federal immigration authorities arrested a staff member of a California Democratic state lawmaker in Las Vegas. Ho-Yin Mo, who previously worked as a news anchor for a Chinese-language station in San Francisco, was taken into custody. He served as a legislative aide to California Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani. The arrest occurred on Thursday at Harry Reid International Airport.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Mo entered the U.S. on January 13, 2020, on a temporary basis. He failed to depart by May 15, 2020, which resulted in an illegal overstay. The Department emphasized that work authorization or a pending application does not equate to legal status in the U.S.
Mo had been a field representative for Stefani, representing areas in San Francisco and San Mateo County. Stefani previously held a position on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and joined her office in January 2025. Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, stated, “No one is above the law, not even the California legislature and its staff,” on social media.
Stefani issued a statement calling for Mo’s release, describing him as a dedicated public servant and a valued employee of the California State Legislature. She highlighted Mo’s strong connection to the community through his past work as a TV reporter and his contributions that go beyond his presence.
Mo also worked on former San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s 2024 campaign as an outreach organizer focused on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. A spokesperson for Breed, Joe Arellano, noted Mo’s wide visibility through KTSF, connecting him with a broad audience.
Mo remains in ICE custody as removal proceedings continue. DHS commented on the arrest, stating it marked a stance against policies that allowed illegal aliens to travel within the country. The DHS emphasized a return to stricter measures under President Trump’s administration to prevent illegal travel.