U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported Fengyun Shi, a Chinese national, back to China on May 7 following his conviction for unlawfully photographing military installations. The removal was executed by ICE’s Philadelphia office after Shi was deemed a national security risk.
“The removal of Fengyun Shi reflects ICE’s steadfast dedication to protecting the American people and upholding national security. His unlawful actions posed a significant risk to sensitive military installations, and his removal ensures that he is no longer a threat to the nation,” stated acting ERO Philadelphia Field Office Director Brian McShane. “ICE will continue to enforce immigration laws with the highest priority placed on safeguarding the United States and its citizens.”
Shi entered the U.S. on August 11, 2021, at San Francisco International Airport as an F-1 nonimmigrant student in agricultural engineering at the University of Minnesota. He was arrested by the FBI in San Francisco on January 18, 2024, for operating an unmanned aircraft system unlawfully and photographing defense installations in Norfolk, Virginia.
Following his arrest, Shi’s F-1 visa was revoked by the U.S. Department of State on January 25, 2024. Subsequently, he was removed from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program by the University of Minnesota on February 7, 2024.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia convicted Shi on October 2, 2024, sentencing him to six months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for using an aircraft to photograph military sites without authorization.
After serving his sentence at Federal Correctional Institution Allenwood in Pennsylvania, ICE detained Shi upon his release on March 7 and charged him with removability under Section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
An immigration judge ordered Shi’s deportation from Elizabeth, New Jersey, on March 24.
Members of the public are encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activities through ICE’s Tip Line or online form.
Further information about ICE Philadelphia’s mission can be found on their social media platform X at @EROPhiladelphia.
