Chinese Woman Sentenced for Attempting to Check Undeclared Firearm at Provo Airport

Xuemei Zhao will face deportation proceedings after serving time for the incident.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:03am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a .357 Magnum revolver cylinder, the metallic surface reflecting the harsh lighting and creating a dramatic, investigative mood without any words or text.A recent airport security incident involving an undeclared firearm exposes the risks and complexities of firearms in travel.Salt Lake City Today

A 54-year-old Chinese woman named Xuemei Zhao was sentenced to time served, around one year, after she attempted to check a suitcase containing an undeclared .357 Magnum revolver and ammunition at the Provo Airport in Utah. Zhao, who was in the U.S. on a tourist visa while awaiting an asylum claim, will now be remanded to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for deportation proceedings.

Why it matters

The case highlights the risks posed by undeclared firearms in airports and the complexities surrounding immigration and asylum claims. It also raises questions about potential criminal activity, as the court found Zhao had the firearm in connection with alleged commercial sex work.

The details

On March 20, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discovered the revolver and ammunition in Zhao's checked luggage at the Provo Airport. She did not disclose the presence of the firearm to TSA or the airline. Authorities also found over $10,000 in cash hidden in her luggage. During an FBI interview, Zhao said her husband had given her the revolver and that she brought it with her from another state.

  • On March 20, 2025, TSA found the undeclared firearm and ammunition in Zhao's checked luggage at Provo Airport.
  • In March 2025, Zhao was charged by complaint with possession of a firearm by an alien.
  • On April 4, 2026, Zhao was sentenced to time served, around one year, for the incident.

The players

Xuemei Zhao

A 54-year-old Chinese woman who was in the United States on a tourist visa while awaiting an asylum claim.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security at U.S. airports, which discovered the undeclared firearm in Zhao's luggage.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that will take Zhao into custody for deportation proceedings after she serves her sentence.

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What’s next

After serving her sentence, Zhao will be turned over to ICE for deportation proceedings back to China.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of airport security and the need for strict enforcement of laws regarding undeclared firearms, especially when they involve individuals with complex immigration and asylum statuses.