HongJiang Yang, a 68-year-old citizen of the People's Republic of China, was sentenced to 30 days in prison by the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands on March 14, 2025. He was convicted of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and aiding and abetting their transportation, as per violations of 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii), (v)(I), and (II). In addition to his prison term, Yang received one year of supervised release, was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service, and pay a $100 special assessment fee.
Several co-conspirators were also sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy. Xiaohua Li, aged 58, received one year probation with similar community service requirements and fees. Kun Gao, aged 44; YongBing Tang, aged 55; ChangCai Dong, aged 61; YingChun Wu, aged 45; Yan Juan Hu Taitano, aged 61; Lee Jesse Omar Reyes, aged 37; Ramon Jose Quitano Sablan, aged 32; and Maverick Ryan Iguel Marlik, aged 31 were among those sentenced with varying terms ranging from time served to imprisonment up to fifteen months.
The case began on July 11, 2023 when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Saipan was informed about an emergency maritime rescue conducted by the United States Coast Guard. The operation involved rescuing eleven individuals from a small vessel off Rota's coast in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Among them were nine citizens from China and two CNMI residents. The investigation revealed that these individuals attempted to reach Guam unlawfully.
The trial evidence showed that two nights before their rescue attempt failed due to fuel shortages amid high seas. Instead of seeking immediate help from authorities, they sought assistance from another boat for more fuel but eventually had to call for rescue after drifting at sea.
"Attorney General Bondi has made immigration enforcement the highest priority of the Department," stated United States Attorney Anderson. "We will fulfill our mission through federal, territorial, and commonwealth partnerships to deter unlawful migration and promote safety at sea."
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas commented on ICE-HSI’s commitment: "The sentencing of Mr. Yang and the co-conspirators highlights ICE-HSI’s commitment to stopping smuggling efforts and preventing evasion of federal immigration law."
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. O’Malley in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands.