On March 24, 2025, Ming Xi Zhang, a 61-year-old restaurateur known as “Sushi John,” was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Newark, New Jersey, sending shockwaves through the Montgomery Township community.
Zhang, the beloved owner of Ya Ya Noodles in Skillman’s Montgomery Shopping Center, faces potential deportation following a 2024 conviction for acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government.
His arrest, amid heightened immigration enforcement, has sparked debate about national security, community ties, and the complexities of his case. From his journey as a Chinese immigrant to his culinary legacy, Zhang’s story is one of ambition, controversy, and a neighborhood now rallying to support him.
From Qingdao to Skillman: A Restaurateur’s Journey
Ming Xi Zhang was born in Qingdao, China, a coastal city of millions, where he studied electrical engineering at the Ocean University of China. After working in human resources for the Chinese government and running his own restaurant, Zhang immigrated to the United States in June 2000, entering legally through Los Angeles International Airport.
Economic struggles in China prompted his move, and he began working at the Jersey Shore, honing his craft in sushi preparation. By 2011, he opened Ya Ya Noodles, a BYOB Asian eatery offering Chinese, Thai, and Japanese dishes. Known for fresh ingredients and dishes once praised by chef Bobby Flay, the restaurant became a local staple.
Zhang’s charisma and culinary skill earned him the nickname “Sushi John,” a nod to his mastery behind the sushi bar. Customers describe him as gracious, with a knack for remembering orders and sharing stories over meals. His daughter, Emily Zhang, a U.S. citizen, helps run the business, which employs 8-10 staff and hosts events like omakase nights.
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For over a decade, Zhang built a life in Skillman, raising a family and fostering community connections. But his past actions, now under scrutiny, have cast a shadow over this American dream, leading to his detention at the Elizabeth Detention Center.
A Conviction and Its Consequences
Zhang’s arrest stems from a 2021 guilty plea to acting as an unregistered agent of the People’s Republic of China, a violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Court records, partially sealed, indicate that from March to October 2016, Zhang engaged in activities in Mercer County without notifying the U.S. Attorney General.
Reports suggest he met Chinese security officials in the Bahamas, delivered $35,000 to an individual in New Jersey, and hosted a Chinese agent at his Princeton home twice that fall. On April 30, 2024, U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp sentenced him to three years’ probation and a $10,000 fine, with Zhang acknowledging deportation as a possible outcome.
ICE claims Zhang violated the terms of his lawful admission, though specifics remain unclear. His March 24 arrest followed a routine check-in with authorities, according to Emily, catching the family off guard.
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ICE’s Newark Field Office Director, John Tsoukaris, emphasized that “any illegal alien conducting activities related to espionage, sabotage, or export control” faces deportation, though no direct charges of espionage have been leveled against Zhang.
The timing aligns with intensified immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s administration, raising questions about whether Zhang’s case reflects broader enforcement trends or targeted action tied to his conviction.
Community Response and Broader Implications
The news of Zhang’s detention has rocked Montgomery Township, where Ya Ya Noodles is more than a restaurant—it’s a gathering place. Customers have flooded the eatery with support, offering contact information and asking how to help, as Emily keeps operations running.
Social media posts reflect a mix of shock and loyalty, with some defending Zhang as a valued neighbor despite the allegations. Others argue his actions, however serious, don’t erase his contributions. Yet, online debates also reveal division, with voices questioning why a convicted foreign agent was allowed to remain free post-sentencing, pointing to national security concerns.
Zhang’s case highlights the tension between community ties and federal priorities. His supporters see a hardworking immigrant ensnared by complex geopolitics, while critics view his actions as a betrayal of U.S. trust.
The lack of transparency—sealed court details and ICE’s vague statements—fuels speculation, from theories of petty business rivalries to broader fears of Chinese influence.
As Zhang awaits immigration proceedings, his fate underscores the challenges of balancing justice, security, and compassion in an era of heightened scrutiny. For now, Ya Ya Noodles remains open, a symbol of resilience, as a community holds its breath for Sushi John’s next chapter.