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Chinese human rights lawyer detained by ICE while delivering packages, faces deportation

Jul 18, 2026 · Mount Holly Springs, PA, China

Chinese human rights lawyer detained by ICE while delivering packages, faces deportation

Shaoping Wu, a 48-year-old Chinese human rights lawyer, was detained by ICE in mid-July 2026 while working as an Amazon delivery driver in Pennsylvania. Wu fled China in 2019 after the government cracked down on lawyers challenging authorities in civil rights cases. He arrived in the U.S. on a tourist visa, filed for asylum in 2020, and received work authorization. He had been working full-time as a delivery driver since April 2025 while continuing his advocacy work criticizing the Chinese Communist Party. Wu was living in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with his wife Li Caoliu and their 17-year-old daughter, a Hempfield High School student. During his arrest, he informed police about his pending asylum application, but they notified immigration officials who detained him at Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County. His wife expressed concern about lost income and mounting bills while helping with his defense. Human rights organizations have warned that Wu could face serious retaliation if deported to China.

Timeline

Jul 2026Wu detained by ICE while delivering packages in Pennsylvania; informed arresting officers of pending asylum application but was transferred to immigration custody at Moshannon Valley Processing Center
Apr 2025Wu received work authorization and began working full-time as Amazon delivery driver
2020Wu arrived in U.S. on tourist visa and filed for asylum
2019Shaoping Wu fled China after government crackdown on human rights lawyers

Sources

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