Federal Authorities Arrest California Legislative Aide for Visa Overstay

A California legislative aide, Ho-Yin Mo, was arrested by federal immigration authorities in Las Vegas, according to reports.

Mo previously worked as a news anchor at a Chinese-language station in San Francisco before becoming a legislative aide to Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani. He was detained at Harry Reid International Airport.

The Department of Homeland Security stated, “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.” Work authorization or pending applications do not confer legal status.

Mo serves as a field representative for Stefani, who represents parts of San Francisco and San Mateo County. Stefani called for Mo’s release, describing him as a “selfless public servant” and a valued employee of the California State Legislature.

Mo, involved in outreach for former San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s campaign, focused on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. He remains in ICE custody, facing removal proceedings.

The Department of Homeland Security commented that under Trump’s administration, policies that allowed illegal aliens to travel freely within the U.S. would no longer be tolerated.