New Jersey Restaurateur Held by ICE After Espionage Conviction

Ming Xi Zhang, known as 'Sushi John,' is detained at the Elizabeth Detention Center following his 2024 conviction for acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government.

• Ming Xi Zhang, owner of Ya Ya Noodles in Montgomery Township, NJ, was arrested by ICE on March 24, 2025, in Newark for immigration violations.
• Zhang was convicted in April 2024 of acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government and sentenced to three years' probation.
• He pleaded guilty in May 2021 to espionage-related activities in 2016, including delivering $35,000 to an unidentified individual in New Jersey and meeting Chinese officials in the Bahamas.
• ICE officials stated Zhang violated the terms of his lawful admission to the U.S. and is now awaiting immigration proceedings at the Elizabeth Detention Center.
• Local community members have rallied in support of Zhang and his restaurant, expressing solidarity with his family following his detention.

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