San Francisco’s entire Board of Supervisors has united in a public appeal for the release of Ho Yin Mo, a field representative for Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani, after his detention at Harry Reid International Airport on Sept. 17.
Local leaders stress community impact
The signed letter emphasizes Mo’s role as a vital bridge for the city’s Chinese‑American community, especially for seniors and residents who encounter language or cultural barriers when dealing with government agencies. The supervisors note that his removal leaves a gap in outreach for affordable health‑care, child‑care and food‑support services that he routinely helps coordinate.
Background on Ho Yin Mo
Originally from Hong Kong, Mo is 28 years old and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. After college he became a prime‑time anchor for Chinese‑language television station KTSF, hosting a 7 p.m. news slot that made him a familiar face among Chinese seniors in the Bay Area. In 2024 he served as an Asian American and Pacific Islander field organizer for former Mayor London Breed’s re‑election campaign, where campaign spokesperson Joe Arellano described Mo as “somewhat of a celebrity with Chinese seniors.”
Following the campaign, Mo accepted a position as a field representative in Assemblywoman Stefani’s district office. He is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin and English, and has been praised by colleagues for his ability to understand and convey the concerns of the Chinese community, particularly its most vulnerable members.
Assemblywoman Stefani’s response
Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani issued a statement calling for Mo’s immediate release, calling him a “selfless public servant” and a “valued, legal employee of the California State Legislature.” She highlighted his work helping constituents navigate health‑care, child‑care and food‑assistance programs, and said the community “eagerly awaits” his return.
Why the letter matters
The supervisors’ joint letter underscores the city’s commitment to protecting the rights of its immigrant residents and ensuring that government representatives can continue their essential outreach work. By publicly urging federal authorities to act, the Board of Supervisors is reinforcing the principle that local officials should not be silenced or separated from the communities they serve.
Next steps
The letter has been forwarded to the appropriate federal agencies, and city officials have indicated they will continue to monitor the situation closely. They have also pledged to keep the public informed of any developments regarding Mo’s detention and potential release.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
