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."ICE ARRESTS SOUTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHT ATTENDANT IN NASHVILLE FOR ALLEGEDLY OVERSTAYING VISA SINCE 2021Harry 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...