Ho Yin Mo, a field representative for California Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at Harry Reid International Airport on September 17 and remains held at a federal detention facility in Pahrump, Nevada. Mo, a Hong Kong native who once anchored prime-time newscasts for a Bay Area Chinese-language television station, has served as a liaison for Cantonese- and Mandarin-speaking constituents in Stefani's Assembly district.
ICE described Mo as illegally present in the United States, according to KLAS 8 News Now, which first reported the arrest. An ICE spokesperson told the station that all illegal aliens receive due process through immigration proceedings, and stressed that a pending application or work authorization does not confer legal status in the United States. The agency said Mo entered the country legally through Los Angeles International Airport in 2020 but overstayed his authorized stay.
Mo entered the country temporarily in 2020. Assemblymember Stefani confirmed that ICE detained Mo on September 17 and called for his release as soon as possible, describing him as a selfless public servant and valued legal employee of the California State Legislature. Stefani, who represents parts of San Francisco and San Mateo counties, said the community awaits his return to his home and his job.
A Familiar Face Turned Political Aide
As Mission Local reported, before joining legislative service, the 28-year-old UC Berkeley graduate worked as a prime-time news anchor for KTSF Channel 26, giving him a public profile that carried over into his political career. During the 2024 San Francisco mayoral election, Mo worked as an Asian American and Pacific Islander field organizer for then-Mayor London Breed's reelection campaign, and campaign officials at the time noted his strong name recognition among Chinese senior citizens, the outlet reported.
Mo joined Stefani's district office after the campaign season. In that role, he has served San Francisco and Bay Area communities by helping constituents access affordable health care coverage, child care, and food support. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors, in a joint letter, highlighted his role as a critical liaison for Chinese-speaking constituents who face language barriers when accessing government services, and demanded his immediate release.
Part of a Broader Airport Enforcement Push
Mo's detention fits into a national enforcement trend rather than an isolated incident. As reported by CBS News, recent airport arrests stem from a policy shift reversing Biden-era allowances that had permitted non-citizens without legal status to travel on domestic flights. DHS says people in the country illegally can no longer fly unless they are traveling out of the country to self-deport. The same reporting described airport arrests and coordination between ICE and the Transportation Security Administration.
Mo is currently held at the Nevada Southern Detention Center in Pahrump.
Stefani and the full San Francisco Board of Supervisors are pressing for Mo's release. Stefani has praised his public service and connection with constituents.
