Donald Trump Secures Release of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri

Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, founder of the independent Zion Church, arrived in Los Angeles around July 4, 2026, after being released from prison in China. Jin had been detained since October 9, 2025, as part of a broader crackdown on unregistered religious congregations. He and 17 other church leaders were arrested on charges including the illegal use of information networks and running illegal business operations.

His release followed a May state visit to Beijing where President Donald Trump personally requested Jin's freedom during a meeting with President Xi Jinping. Chinese officials characterized the release as a goodwill gesture coinciding with U.S. Independence Day. Jin's family credited the direct intervention of both Trump and Xi for the outcome, while also thanking U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his assistance.

Despite the release, human rights advocates and Zion Church reports indicate that at least eight other church leaders remain imprisoned in China. During the May talks, Trump also advocated for the release of imprisoned Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai, though he noted that Lai's release would be more difficult. The event is viewed as a diplomatic victory following months of efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and China.