Federal Authorities Arrest California Lawmaker’s Aide for Visa Overstay

Ho-Yin Mo, formerly a news anchor at a Chinese-language station in San Francisco, faced arrest by federal immigration authorities in Las Vegas. Mo had transitioned into the role of legislative aide for California Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani before this incident took place.

The Department of Homeland Security revealed Mo lawfully entered the United States temporarily on January 13, 2020, but failed to exit by May 15, 2020, resulting in an illegal overstay. Authorities emphasized that having work authorization or a pending application does not grant legal status in the United States.

Mo had been working as a field representative for Stefani, covering areas in San Francisco and San Mateo County. Stefani’s political resume includes serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2018 to 2024, with Mo joining her office in January 2025, as per his LinkedIn.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, stressed that the law applies equally to all, including legislative staff members. In response to Mo’s arrest, Stefani issued a statement urging for his release, citing Mo’s contributions as a valued, legal employee and his connection with the Chinese-American community as integral to their service.

Earlier, Mo played a significant role in former San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s unsuccessful 2024 reelection campaign, focusing on outreach to Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. His hiring was driven by his visibility and compatibility with Breed’s audience.

Currently, Mo remains in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security highlighted their commitment to reversing previous policies and no longer providing flight accommodation within the country for unlawful aliens, instead focusing on self-deportation initiatives.