Fargo restaurant owner admits to hiring illegal immigrants

The sign on the door of Giant Panda restaurant on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

FARGO (KFGO) — The owner of Giant Panda Chinese restaurant in Fargo has reached a plea agreement for harboring illegal immigrants.

By signing a plea agreement, 65-year-old Ming Sun Chueng admits to hiring people from Mexico and Guatemala who were in the country illegally. Federal prosecutors say Chueng “shielded” the workers from the government by employing them at the south Fargo restaurant.

Chueng signed a plea agreement June 18, and was filed Wednesday. Prosecutors are recommending Chueng be sentenced to two years of probation and pay a $15,000 fine.