China National Gets 14 Months for Airport Removal Fight

SAIPAN, CNMI – A brazen attempt to thwart his deportation landed 55-year-old ZHANG Aimin, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China, a 14-month federal prison sentence. U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, SHAWN N. ANDERSON, announced the sentencing on August 7, 2025, following a hearing in the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands.

Zhang was originally sentenced to eight months for Preventing or Hampering Removal, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1253(a). However, the court determined this offense was committed while Zhang was already on supervised release for prior convictions – Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens and Conspiracy to Defraud the United States. An additional six months was added to his sentence, to be served consecutively. He will face deportation proceedings immediately upon his release from prison and is also subject to one year of supervised release and 50 hours of community service, along with a $100 special assessment fee.

The incident unfolded on April 30, 2025, at Saipan International Airport. As ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations attempted to carry out Zhang’s lawful removal, he flatly refused to exit the transport vehicle, delaying his departing flight. Once coaxed out, Zhang didn’t simply comply. He immediately became physically combative, gripping a light pole and dangerously attempting to insert his hand into an exposed electrical port. The move created a serious safety hazard for both Zhang and the officers present.

Even after being pried from the light pole, Zhang escalated the situation, grabbing onto a nearby signpost and ignoring repeated lawful orders to let go. During the struggle to remove him, one Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer had their arm pinned between the post and Zhang’s body, narrowly avoiding serious injury. The officer was able to free themselves, and Zhang was finally subdued and placed in handcuffs before being returned to the CNMI Department of Corrections.

“The enforcement of immigration laws is our highest priority,” stated U.S. Attorney Anderson, delivering a stark message. “Zhang showed no respect for the law or the officers working to uphold it. This case demonstrates the federal government’s ongoing commitment to removing illegal aliens from our country.” The incident serves as a clear warning that obstructing lawful deportation orders will be met with serious consequences.

The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Garth Backe skillfully prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and lengthy sentence. This case highlights the dedication of federal agencies to maintaining border security and upholding the rule of law in the Northern Mariana Islands.

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