Parents of MacDill Base Bomb Suspects Taken Into ICE Custody

Authorities say the parents of the alleged bombers entered the U.S. illegally and remained despite deportation orders.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:52pm

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The parents of two suspects accused of planting an explosive device at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida have been taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Authorities say Qiu Qin Zou and Jia Zhang Zheng, the parents of Alen Zheng and Ann Mary Zheng, entered the U.S. illegally in 1993 and were ordered deported in 1998, but remained in the country.

Why it matters

The case highlights the Trump administration's focus on cracking down on illegal immigration, including through efforts to limit birthright citizenship. The administration has argued the 14th Amendment has been misinterpreted and does not apply to children of undocumented immigrants.

The details

A package containing 'possible energetic materials' was found outside the MacDill Air Force Base visitors center on March 16. Agents determined that Alen Zheng, 20, planted the device on March 10 before making a 911 call saying there was a bomb at the base. Alen Zheng and his sister, Ann Mary Zheng, 27, allegedly sold their car and left for China by March 12. Ann Mary Zheng was arrested upon her return to the U.S., but authorities believe Alen Zheng is still in China.

  • On March 16, a suspicious package was found at the MacDill Air Force Base.
  • On March 10, Alen Zheng allegedly planted the explosive device at the base.
  • By March 12, Alen Zheng and his sister Ann Mary Zheng had left for China.

The players

Alen Zheng

A 20-year-old suspect accused of planting an explosive device at MacDill Air Force Base.

Ann Mary Zheng

The 27-year-old sister of Alen Zheng, who was arrested upon returning to the U.S. after the incident.

Qiu Qin Zou

The parent of the suspects, who entered the U.S. illegally in 1993 and was ordered deported in 1998 but remained in the country.

Jia Zhang Zheng

The other parent of the suspects, who also entered the U.S. illegally in 1993 and was ordered deported in 1998 but remained in the country.

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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, DHS Acting Assistant Secretary

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Alen Zheng, who is believed to be in China, out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, including through challenges to birthright citizenship, as part of a broader national security strategy.