Key facts
- Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri was released from detention in China on July 3.
- Jin credits President Donald Trump's intervention with Chinese leader Xi Jinping for his release.
- Jin had been detained since October and faced charges related to running an unregistered church.
- He was flown to Los Angeles and reunited with his family.
- Jin plans to advocate for the release of other detained Christians in China.
Ezra Jin Mingri, a 57-year-old Chinese Christian pastor, recounted his dramatic release from detention and subsequent arrival in the U.S. on July 3, just 24 hours after fearing a 15-year prison sentence. Jin, who led an influential underground church, was held since October. He credits President Donald Trump's intervention with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in May for his unexpected freedom. Trump had informed reporters in May that he discussed Jin's case with Xi, who stated he would "strongly consider the pastor." Jin was released without a confession or trial, with charges dropped. He was given new clothes and shoes, then flown to Los Angeles, where he reunited with his family and met his grandchildren for the first time. His daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, had actively lobbied for his release. Jin's church, Zion Church, was previously shut down in 2018 for refusing to install surveillance cameras. He now plans to advocate for the release of other detained Christians in China, including Pastor Wang Yi. House Speaker Mike Johnson met with Jin and expressed bipartisan support for religious freedom globally.