Federal agents have arrested two Chinese nationals who entered the United States illegally in the 1990s and remained for decades after their asylum claims were denied, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The arrests come after federal prosecutors charged their U.S.-born children in connection with an alleged plot involving an explosive device at MacDill Air Force Base.
Authorities identified the parents as Qiu Qin Zou and Jia Zhang Zheng, who were ordered removed from the country in the late 1990s but remained in the U.S. Despite their immigration status, they raised two children, Ann Mary Zheng and Alen Zheng, who were born in the country. Officials say the parents were taken into custody in March and are currently being held by immigration authorities.
The case has drawn national attention in part because of its timing, as the Supreme Court of the United States considers policy questions related to birthright citizenship. The administration of Donald Trump has argued for changes to how citizenship is granted under the Constitution, while critics say existing interpretations are well established and legally grounded.
Separately, the Department of Justice has charged 27-year-old Ann Zheng in connection with the alleged incident at the base. Authorities allege the case involved an attempt to damage government property, while her brother is believed to be outside the country. Officials have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and the situation continues to be closely monitored given the military significance of the location.