The parents of the individual involved in a failed bombing incident near MacDill Air Force Base in Florida last month are undocumented immigrants, according to the Department of Homeland Security. They noted that this situation underscores the potential risks associated with birthright citizenship.
ICE detained the parents, Qiu Qin Zou and Jia Zhang Zheng, on March 18, just days after their son, Allen Zhen, allegedly placed an explosive device near the base.
Reportedly, the couple entered the U.S. illegally in 1993 and sought asylum, but their claims were turned down by an immigration judge, who ordered their deportation in 1998. Despite numerous attempts to reopen their case, their requests were consistently denied, and they remained in the country for years after the deportation orders.
The Trump administration has stated that the arrests reveal national security concerns related to birthright citizenship, which is currently under review by the Supreme Court.
Their children, Allen and his sister, Ann Mary, were both born in the United States and are U.S. citizens.
Federal authorities allege that Allen Zhen placed an improvised explosive device outside the Visitor Center at MacDill Air Force Base on March 10. His sister is accused of aiding in the cover-up of the crime.
Prosecutors mentioned that Ann Mary “cooperated after the fact” and interfered with the investigation to protect her brother.
It is believed that Allen Zhen fled to China, while his sister was arrested upon her return to the U.S. through Detroit.
The explosive device, described by officials as potentially “very dangerous,” failed to explode and was found by Air Force personnel six days later.
Investigators connected the device to materials found at Allen’s home and to a burner phone used to report the bomb to authorities.
DHS emphasized that this incident raises broader issues, particularly as the Supreme Court considers the definition of birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment.
“Automatically granting citizenship to the children of undocumented immigrants born in the U.S. poses serious national security concerns,” stated Lauren Biss, acting DHS assistant secretary. “This case highlights the significant threat that illegal immigration and birthright citizenship entail for the country.”
The agency pointed out that the suspects were U.S. citizens, born after their parents entered illegally.
President Trump attempted to limit birthright citizenship through an executive order on his first day in office, arguing that the prevailing interpretation of the Constitution is misguided. This policy is currently facing challenges in the Supreme Court, leading to a major legal debate over the Fourteenth Amendment.
Federal prosecutors have charged Allen Zheng with attempted destruction of government property and weapon-related offenses, potentially facing up to 40 years in prison. Ann Mary Jen is charged with aiding and abetting and evidence tampering, which could result in a maximum sentence of 30 years.
Officials have yet to reveal a motive or confirm any connections to the Chinese government.
MacDill Air Force Base is home to U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, making it one of the most strategically important military sites in the nation.
