Overview

• 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.