ICE Arrests Two Chinese Nationals for Scamming Elderly Americans

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has arrested two Chinese nationals accused of defrauding older Americans out of significant sums of money, as announced by authorities on Tuesday.

Joseph Freden, assistant director of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, expressed the need to take action against those who exploit vulnerable members of the community. “We must address these criminals who are targeting our most at-risk individuals and attempting to siphon off their hard-earned savings,” he stated. His remarks highlight ICE’s ongoing commitment to ensure community safety and uphold the law.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Jian Chen and Rihui Yan, each facing separate charges.

Experts have pointed out a concerning rise in illegal immigration from China, particularly under the current administration, amid broader “national security concerns.” This trend has raised alarms about potential risks to community safety.

Chen reportedly orchestrated a scam involving a 63-year-old woman, tricking her into believing he could secure her $42,000 while attempting to acquire an additional $100,000 in Potsdam, New York. He allegedly posed as an agent representing the victim. Meanwhile, Yan, labeled by ICE as “a scam artist and illegal alien,” is accused of trying to defraud an elderly couple in Wyoming County for $20,000.

ICE has indicated plans to repatriate more than 100 illegal aliens, including those convicted of serious crimes, back to China through “high-risk” flights.

Both suspects are currently held without bail as their cases progress.

Erin Keegan, a special agent from HSI Buffalo, stated that the investigation emphasizes their commitment to dismantling cross-border criminal organizations trying to exploit the vulnerable. “We can’t just stand by while individuals from abroad target innocent New Yorkers for their own gain,” she remarked.

Authorities also mentioned a third Chinese suspect, Hui Chen, who was arrested and detained in October 2024 under similar allegations.

Border officials previously noted a significant rise in illegal immigrant groups from China crossing the southern border. Since the beginning of his presidency, Donald Trump has been actively pursuing a broad campaign to remove criminal foreigners from the country.