HongJiang Yang, 68, citizen of China, was sentenced on March 14, 2025, to 30 days’ imprisonment by the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and conspiracy and aiding and abetting transportation of illegal aliens, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii), (v)(I), and (II).
He was previously found guilty by jury verdict. The court also ordered one year of supervised release, 50 hours of community service, and a $100 special assessment fee.
The following co-conspirators have pled guilty and were sentenced for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens, in violation of 8 U.S.C. §1324(a)(I)(A)(ii) and (v)(I):
- Xiaohua Li, 58: Sentenced on February 22, 2024, to one-year probation, 50 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.
- Kun Gao, 44: Sentenced on March 15, 2024, to 30 days in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.
- YongBing Tang, 55: Sentenced on July 2, 2024, to 30 days in prison, one year of supervised release, 50 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.
- ChangCai Dong, 61: Sentenced on July 2, 2024, to 30 days in prison, one year of supervised release, 50 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.
- YingChun Wu, 45: Sentenced on May 24, 2024, to 30 days’ imprisonment; one year of supervised release, 50 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.
- Yan Juan Hu Taitano, 61: Sentenced on September 9, 2024, to 15 months’ imprisonment, one year of supervised release, 80 hours community service, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.
- Lee Jesse Omar Reyes, 37: Sentenced on September 9, 2024, to time served, two years of supervised release, 80 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.
- Ramon Jose Quitano Sablan, 32: Sentenced on September 9, 2024, to time served, two years of supervised release, 80 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.
- Maverick Ryan Iguel Marlik, 31: Sentenced on September 9, 2024, to time served, one year of supervised release, 80 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.
On July 11, 2023, Homeland Security Investigations Saipan received information that the United States Coast Guard conducted an emergency maritime rescue operation for 11 individuals in distress on a small vessel off the coast of Rota in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The individuals included nine PRC citizens and two CNMI residents. HSI Saipan initiated an investigation into violations of Title 8 of the United States Code for bringing in and harbouring aliens, in addition to other violations, for attempting to unlawfully bring non-United States citizens to Guam.
The evidence at trial established that two evenings prior, the boat departed Saipan and headed south. Overloaded and on high seas, it ran out of gas before sunrise and started drifting.
Instead of immediately calling authorities for rescue, those on board made a last-ditch attempt to reach Guam by asking another boat to deliver more fuel. After that effort failed, they at last radioed the United States Coast Guard, triggering a search by military aircraft from the United States and two allied nations.
The individuals were located at dusk and rescued by a Navy helicopter after midnight. By delaying their call for help, defendant Yang and the others made an already dangerous situation much more so for themselves and their rescuers.
“Attorney General Bondi has made immigration enforcement the highest priority of the Department,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “We will fulfil our mission through federal, territorial, and commonwealth partnerships to deter unlawful migration and promote safety at sea. Anyone with information regarding this type of criminal activity should contact Homeland Security Investigations.”
“The sentencing of Mr. Yang and the co-conspirators highlights ICE-HSI’s commitment to stopping smuggling efforts and preventing the evasion of federal immigration law, said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “Stopping these crimes not only protects our communities but also targets the inherent dangers present with human smuggling. ICE-HSI protects our borders through enforcing our immigration authority.”
