Chinese Citizen Arrested Again, Accused of Trespassing at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago

Zijie Li, a 39-year-old Chinese national on a student visa residing in Los Angeles, was arrested for trespassing at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday after arriving by Uber. He had previously been arrested on similar charges in August and warned to stay away from Donald Trump’s Florida residence. However, Li continued attempting to enter the premises, which ultimately led to his latest arrest. Appearing in a Florida court on Friday, Li faces misdemeanor charges of trespassing after warning, with a bond set at $100,000.

Prior Arrests and Mental Health Concerns

In addition to the recent arrest, Li has displayed a pattern of behavior around Mar-a-Lago. On July 19, Li was reportedly seen outside the residence claiming to have information related to China. After being issued a written warning, he was informed that returning would result in arrest. However, Li was seen again on July 30, placing papers referencing Trump on vehicles near Mar-a-Lago, and was arrested the following day for trying to enter the property.

Law enforcement officers had also requested a mental health evaluation for Li in August, indicating growing concern over his actions. During another incident in September, he allegedly sought assistance from a Mar-a-Lago resident to enter the premises, prompting the resident to call the police. Under Florida’s Baker Act, which permits temporary detention for mental health evaluations, Li was placed on hold but was released on Thursday—the same day he attempted to enter Mar-a-Lago once again.

Court Orders and Security Protocols

In his recent court appearance, Li was ordered to avoid any contact with Donald Trump and barred from visiting Mar-a-Lago. Additionally, he is forbidden from possessing weapons. Jail records do not indicate whether he currently has legal representation.

Security at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, heightened during his 2024 campaign, is jointly managed by the Secret Service, Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, and private security personnel. The property has been a focal point for security incidents, including the 2020 arrest of Jing Lu, a Chinese woman who was accused but later acquitted of trespassing at Mar-a-Lago. However, Lu was sentenced for resisting arrest.

Li’s repeated attempts to enter Mar-a-Lago raise concerns over security protocol and potential risks. His unusual behavior, combined with the documents he claimed to possess, remains under investigation by the Secret Service and Palm Beach authorities, who are monitoring activity around Trump’s residence closely amid an intense election season and heightened security.