U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported Fengyun Shi, a Chinese national, following his conviction for photographing military installations using an aircraft. Shi was returned to China on May 7 after being deemed a national security risk by ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor.
"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. He added that ICE prioritizes safeguarding the United States and its citizens.
Shi entered the U.S. as an F-1 nonimmigrant student at the University of Minnesota in August 2021. The FBI arrested him in January 2024 in San Francisco for operating an unmanned aircraft system unlawfully and photographing defense installations near Norfolk, Virginia.
Following his arrest, Shi's F-1 visa was revoked by the U.S. Department of State, and he was removed from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program by the University of Minnesota in February 2024.
In October 2024, Shi was convicted by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia for unauthorized use of an aircraft to photograph military sites. He received a six-month prison sentence followed by one year of supervised release.
ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia took custody of Shi upon his release from Federal Correctional Institution Allenwood in Pennsylvania in March 2025. An immigration judge ordered his deportation later that month.
The public can report crimes or suspicious activities via ICE's Tip Line or online form. Further information about ICE Philadelphia’s operations is available on their social media platform X at @EROPhiladelphia.
