In recent years, concerns about bias within the New York Police Department (NYPD) have grown, especially regarding its treatment of Chinese nationals and Chinese American officers. This issue gained significant attention with the case of Lieutenant Steven Li, who was dismissed from the NYPD after being implicated in a federal investigation involving alleged illegal activities tied to a Chinese foreign agent.
The Case of Steven Li
Steven Li, who served in the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau, was terminated on February 16 after an investigation revealed his connections to a Chinese national named Sun Hoi Ying. Sun was reportedly involved in “Operation Fox Hunt,” a program by China’s Ministry of Public Security aimed at repatriating alleged Chinese fugitives without coordinating with local authorities. Between late 2019 and fall 2021, Li facilitated meetings between Sun and an unnamed individual accused of embezzling money from a Chinese state-owned enterprise.
According to court and NYPD documents, Li clarified to the embezzlement suspect that he was not representing Sun or the Chinese government, but rather facilitating communication to help resolve the dispute. Despite his efforts to distance himself from Sun’s intentions, Li’s interactions drew the attention of the FBI and the NYPD, leading to his dismissal. The internal investigation concluded that while Li was not guilty of acting as a foreign agent, he had made false statements to the FBI and failed to report the investigation to his superiors, resulting in his firing.
Similar NYPD Cases
Li’s case is not isolated. Baimadajie Angwang, an ethnic Tibetan NYPD officer, also faced repercussions after federal charges of working for China’s interests. Although charges against Angwang were eventually dropped, the NYPD proceeded with an internal investigation, and he was terminated for not attending an internal interview.
These cases have sent shockwaves through the Chinese community in New York, which is already under significant scrutiny due to strained U.S.-China relations.
US China Tech War: Apple Removes Meta From Playstores
China Retaliates: Imposes Sanctions on Lockheed Martin and other US Defense Companies
Critics argue that these incidents reflect a pattern of racial bias and excessive suspicion towards Chinese Americans, exacerbated by initiatives like the Department of Justice’s now-defunct China Initiative. This program, launched in 2018 to combat economic espionage, was criticized for disproportionately targeting Chinese American scholars and scientists.
This incident, revealed by NYPD disciplinary records disclosed by Documented, highlights broader concerns about the treatment of Chinese Americans within the department amid heightened geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China.
Broader Legal and Social Context
The scrutiny extends beyond the NYPD. Nationwide, states have enacted laws restricting property purchases by Chinese citizens, and in places like Florida, Chinese nationals face additional restrictions on employment at university labs. In Florida, Chinese Nationals are banned from buying the land. These legislative moves are part of a broader trend of heightened vigilance and suspicion towards Chinese nationals in the U.S., driven by geopolitical concerns.
The use of early 20th-century laws requiring individuals working for foreign interests to register has surged, particularly against those connected to China. Since 2020, at least 36 individuals have been charged with foreign-agent related violations benefiting China, reflecting a significant increase compared to the previous decade.
Community and Expert Reactions
Reactions within the law enforcement community and beyond have been mixed. Some, like Hugh Mo, a former NYPD deputy trial commissioner, view lying to the FBI as a serious offense justifying dismissal. Others see these cases as politically motivated, with retired Chinese American detectives likening the current atmosphere to the McCarthy era.
Michael Moy, a former NYPD detective, advises Chinese American officers to exercise extreme caution in community interactions to avoid being inadvertently implicated in plots involving China. He draws parallels to the post-9/11 scrutiny faced by Muslim officers, suggesting that the burden of suspicion is not unique but remains deeply unfair.
The cases of Steven Li and Baimadajie Angwang highlight the precarious position of Chinese American officers within the NYPD and the broader law enforcement community. As the U.S.-China relationship continues to be fraught with tension, the potential for bias and wrongful accusations looms large. Ensuring fair treatment and due process for all officers, regardless of their ethnic background, is crucial in maintaining trust and integrity within the force.
The NYPD’s handling of these cases, alongside the broader societal trends, discusses the need for continued vigilance against racial bias and the importance of transparent, equitable disciplinary processes. As the community grapples with these challenges, fostering an environment of trust and fairness remains imperative.
