Chinese National Jailed for Spitting ICA Officer

 

A 38-year-old Chinese national has been sentenced to eight weeks in prison for assaulting a public servant and causing a public nuisance after he was denied entry into Singapore. The individual, Ceng Li Xiao, appeared in court on September 4, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to both charges against him.

The incident began on the morning of August 16, 2025, when Ceng arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 4. Upon processing his entry, officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority determined that he was subject to the Immigration (Prohibition of Entry) Order. This order legally prohibits certain individuals from entering the country, though the specific reason for his ban was not disclosed in court.

Following the decision to deny his entry, Ceng was taken to a holding lounge within the airport to await his deportation back to China. At this point, he became uncooperative with the authorities. His refusal to comply with the lawful instructions of the officers prompted them to restrain him for everyone's safety. Later that morning, at approximately 11:00 a.m., four ICA officers began escorting him for deportation.

As part of the escort procedure, Ceng was placed in a wheelchair. During this process, he began shouting repeatedly and uncontrollably for a duration of about two minutes. He then attempted to stand up from the wheelchair. One of the officers accompanying him noticed this movement and moved to hold him down to prevent him from rising. In a sudden and deliberate act, Ceng turned his head and spat directly into the face of the immigration officer.

This act led to his immediate arrest. He has remained in custody since the incident on August 16. During his court appearance, which was conducted via video call, the prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the offense. They pointed out that spitting at a public officer in a performance of his duty was not only a shameful act but also represented a blatant disrespect for public institutions and the law.

Ceng, who did not have legal representation and spoke through a court-appointed interpreter, addressed the court. He stated that he acknowledged his mistakes and expressed a hope that the case could be concluded quickly so that he could return to his home country. The court considered the facts and the aggressive nature of the assault, ultimately sentencing him to a total of eight weeks' imprisonment for his actions.