Federal Agents Arrest California Legislative Aide in Las Vegas

Federal immigration authorities arrested Ho-Yin Mo, a field representative for California Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani, on Thursday at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that Mo, a citizen of Hong Kong, lawfully entered the U.S. on January 13, 2020, but illegally overstayed his temporary status after failing to depart by May 15, 2020. DHS officials clarified that work authorizations or pending applications do not confer legal status.

Mo is currently held at the Nevada Southern Detention Center in Pahrump pending removal proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security characterized the arrest as part of a policy shift under President Donald Trump to prevent undocumented individuals from flying domestically, describing it as a reversal of Biden-era policies.

Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani has called for Mo's immediate release, describing him as a selfless public servant and a legal employee of the California State Legislature. While Stefani's District Director, Frankie Falzon, initially stated that legal counsel advised against commenting, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors has since sent a letter to the immigration court requesting Mo's release. Mo is a former news anchor at KTSF and previously worked on Mayor London Breed's 2024 campaign.