Chinese-American Siblings Accused of Planting Bomb at Florida Air Force Base

The now-adult 'anchor babies' of Chinese illegal aliens are charged in alleged attack on MacDill Air Force Base.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a partially disassembled improvised explosive device (IED) component, such as a circuit board or wiring, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the threat of domestic terrorism.A recent wave of alleged domestic terrorism targeting military bases exposes the national security risks posed by birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.Today in Tampa

A pair of Chinese-American siblings, Alen Zheng and Ann Mary Zheng, are accused of planting an improvised explosive device (IED) at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. The siblings are the now-adult 'anchor babies' of Chinese illegal aliens Qiu Qin Zou and Jia Zhang Zheng, who were ordered deported from the U.S. in 1998 but had their children in the country, granting them birthright citizenship.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the national security concerns around birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants, known as 'anchor babies.' The Zhengs' alleged attack on a military base raises questions about the potential risks posed by this policy.

The details

Federal investigators allege that on March 10, 2026, Alen Zheng made a bomb threat call to police about MacDill Air Force Base, though no IED was found at the time. Two days later, the Zhengs left the U.S. for China. On March 16, an Air Force service member discovered the IED, and the following day, Ann Mary Zheng flew back to the U.S. from China and was arrested. Alen Zheng is believed to still be on the run in China.

  • On March 10, 2026, Alen Zheng allegedly made a bomb threat call about MacDill Air Force Base.
  • On March 12, 2026, the Zhengs left the U.S. for China.
  • On March 16, 2026, an Air Force service member discovered the IED.
  • On March 17, 2026, Ann Mary Zheng flew back to the U.S. from China and was arrested.

The players

Alen Zheng

A 20-year-old Chinese-American sibling accused of planting an IED at MacDill Air Force Base and making a bomb threat call.

Ann Mary Zheng

A 27-year-old Chinese-American sibling accused of planting an IED at MacDill Air Force Base.

Qiu Qin Zou

The mother of Alen and Ann Mary Zheng, an illegal alien from China who was ordered deported in 1998 but had her children in the U.S., granting them birthright citizenship.

Jia Zhang Zheng

The father of Alen and Ann Mary Zheng, an illegal alien from China who was ordered deported in 1998 but had his children in the U.S., granting them birthright citizenship.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Automatically granting citizenship to children of illegal aliens born in the U.S. is based on a historically inaccurate interpretation of the Citizenship Clause and poses a major national security risk.”

— Lauren Bis, Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

Authorities are still searching for Alen Zheng, who is believed to be on the run in China. The judge will decide on Ann Mary Zheng's bail status in the coming days.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over birthright citizenship and the potential national security risks posed by the children of illegal immigrants, known as 'anchor babies.' It raises questions about the interpretation of the Citizenship Clause and the need for policy reforms to address these concerns.