NEWARK, N.J. — A Chinese national and New Jersey restaurant owner known locally as “Sushi John” was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after being convicted of illegally acting as an agent of the Chinese government.
Key Points
- Ming Xi Zhang, 61, was convicted of acting as an unregistered foreign agent
- ICE arrested Zhang on March 24 in Newark; he remains in custody
- Zhang owned Ya Ya Noodles in Montgomery Township, Somerset County
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Newark arrested Ming Xi Zhang, 61, on March 24. He remains in federal custody as immigration proceedings continue. Authorities confirmed Zhang is the owner of Ya Ya Noodles, a well-known Asian restaurant in Montgomery Township.
Zhang entered the United States lawfully through Los Angeles International Airport in June 2000. However, officials say he later violated the terms of his legal admission.
Federal conviction and immigration violation
On April 30, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey sentenced Zhang to probation after convicting him of illegally acting as an agent of a foreign government without notifying the U.S. Attorney General. The charge stems from federal law that requires individuals acting on behalf of foreign governments to register with the Department of Justice.
“Any illegal alien conducting activities related to espionage, sabotage or export control against the United States is subject to deportation,” said ICE Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.
Immigration proceedings ongoing
Zhang’s arrest follows a lengthy federal investigation and comes as immigration officials intensify scrutiny on foreign nationals with ties to unauthorized government activity. ICE has not released further details regarding the scope of Zhang’s actions or how long he operated in this capacity.
The case remains under review as immigration authorities determine next steps in Zhang’s removal proceedings.