A California state lawmaker who has sharply criticized the Trump administration’s deportation policies is now seeking the release of one of her staff members, a Hong Kong native detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Las Vegas.
Ho-Yin Mo, a field representative for Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani, was arrested Thursday during an ICE enforcement operation at Harry Reid International Airport. Stefani represents California’s 19th Assembly District, which includes parts of San Francisco and San Mateo County.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed to Our News Outlet on Tuesday that “ICE arrested Ho-Yin Mo, an illegal alien from Hong Kong, during a targeted enforcement operation.”
According to Homeland Security, Mo legally entered the United States temporarily in January 2020 but “illegally overstayed his welcome by failing to depart by May 15, 2020.”
The agency also said that “work authorization or a pending application do NOT confer legal status in the United States.”
Mo previously worked as a news anchor and reporter for KTSF Channel 26, a Chinese-language television station based in San Francisco.
In 2024, he also served as an Asian American and Pacific Islander outreach organizer for former San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s unsuccessful reelection campaign.
“When we heard that Mo was available, we jumped at the opportunity to hire him, because we know that his profile on KTSF really resonates with a lot of individuals, and his background and his experience,” Breed spokesperson Joe Arellano said when Mo joined the campaign.
California Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani’s staffer Ho-Yin Mo was arrested last Thursday during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas
Ho-Yin Mo, a former news anchor and reporter for San Francisco Chinese-language station KTSF Channel 26, legally entered the United States temporarily in January 2020 but “illegally overstayed his welcome,” according to Homeland Security
Mo has worked for Stefani since January 2025, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Stefani, meanwhile, has been a vocal opponent of the ICE crackdown on illegal immigration.
In an opinion article published by the San Francisco Chronicle last October, the Democrat criticized an ICE operation in the Bay Area, describing it as an abuse of power and a direct threat to the community.
“It is about fear and control,” Stefani was quoted as saying.
“We must remain peaceful, united and vigilant. This administration wants chaos. We will answer with strength, solidarity and resolve.”
A source told Our News Outlet that Mo was being held at the Nevada Southern Detention Center in Pahrump, west of Las Vegas, following his arrest.
The source said Mo is expected to remain in custody while removal proceedings move forward.
“DHS reversed the horrendous Biden-era policy that allowed aliens in our country illegally to jet around our country,” the department said in connection with Mo’s arrest.
“Under President Trump, DHS will no longer tolerate this. This administration is working diligently to ensure that aliens in our country illegally can no longer fly unless it is out of our country to self-deport.”
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Stefani said, “My message today is simple: I am respectfully calling for Ho Yin Mo’s release as soon as possible. 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.”
‘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.
‘Ho Yin helps people access affordable health care coverage, child care, and food support,’ she added. ‘Our whole community eagerly awaits Ho Yin’s return to his home and his job where he is loved and adored.’
Frankie Falzon, a district director for Stefani, previously told Our News Outlet that they had been ‘advised by legal counsel that it would not be in his interest to talk at this time.’
‘We are just a few days into this,’ Falzon said.
‘We’re trying to work through as many channels as possible now. That could change at some point.’
