San Francisco Assembly Aide Detained in Nevada Seeks Release After Visa Overstay
Ho-Yin Mo, a field representative for Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, was arrested at Las Vegas airport and placed in ICE detention, prompting calls for his release.
Hong Kong-born Ho-Yin Mo, who works as a field representative for California Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, was detained by ICE at Las Vegas airport on September 17 during a layover to Louisville, Kentucky. Immigration officials cited an overstayed visa from 2020 despite his valid work authorization, and placed him in the Nevada Southern Detention Center in Pahrump. A Las Vegas attorney is seeking bond and, if denied, plans to contest the detention in federal court.
No active deportation case appears in immigration records. Stefani and her staff have called Mo a "valued, legal employee" and a "selfless public servant," while Mayor Daniel Lurie sent a letter to the immigration court highlighting Mo's positive community role. Political strategist Joe Arellano, a former colleague, described Mo’s dedication and his admiration for Muhammad Ali, adding personal support for his release.
Why it matters
The case highlights growing ICE enforcement of visa overstays and its impact on legal workers and local officials.
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