Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) warned of the serious threat open borders pose to national security on Friday after the rearrest of a Chinese national charged with spying on Missouri’s Whiteman Air Force Base near Kansas City.
On Wednesday, a criminal complaint was filed against Qilin Wu, an illegal Chinese immigrant, in the Western District of Missouri for “photographing a vital military installation and military equipment without authorization.”
Alford called the incident a prime example of how open borders threaten national security in a Truth Social post, “This is a national security wake-up call!!”
Alford also said he has demanded a federal review when Chinese Communist Party-linked entities are connected to land near Whiteman.
Wu illegally entered the United States in 2023 through Arizona and was arrested by immigration authorities, according to the news release. However, he was released due to a lack of detention space with the understanding he would await removal proceedings originally scheduled for Feb. 9, 2027.
Whiteman Air Force Base Office of Special Investigations was alerted of a white minivan near Whiteman on Dec. 2, 2025. Patrolmen then stopped Wu, who said he was observing a B-2 Spirit aircraft.
Patrolmen informed Wu that he was not permitted to take photos or video of a military installation. However, the following day, AFOSI was notified of the same minivan patrolling the perimeter.
Wu admitted to taking photos and videos of the Air Force base, including perimeter fencing, a gate, and military equipment. He also admitted to taking photos and videos of another Air Force base that was not specified.
The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson.
OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE THREATENS CLINTONS WITH CONTEMPT IF THEY DON’T SHOW UP FOR EPSTEIN HEARING
The arrest of Wu is not an isolated event but part of what U.S. officials describe as a widespread and coordinated espionage campaign by the CCP.
Chinese nationals, often posing as tourists or “airplane spotters,” have attempted to access or surveil U.S. military bases and sensitive sites at least 100 times in recent years.
