On November 25, U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) that prevents the state from shutting down the mining operation. This ruling comes in response to the state’s efforts to implement Act 636 of 2023 and Act 174 of 2024, which aim to restrict foreign ownership of property and digital asset mining operations in the state. The temporary hold on these laws gives Chen’s company time to challenge the regulations, which they argue are discriminatory.

Dispute Over Foreign Ownership Laws

The crux of the dispute is that the state of Arkansas claims Chen, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, is linked to the Chinese government through his ownership of the crypto mining operation, Jones Eagle. The state has argued that this connection warrants the shutdown of his operation. However, Chen has refuted these claims, stating that the laws unfairly target him based on his national origin. In his lawsuit, Chen emphasized that he resides in New York and legally owns the business through his holding company, Eagle Asset Holding.

Judge Baker’s decision halts the state’s attempts for 14 days, allowing for a complete hearing to consider whether a preliminary injunction should prolong the restraining order. This injunction may preclude further state participation while legal challenges to the legislation are being considered.

Source: X

Chen’s attorney, Alex Jones, applauded the decision, calling it a critical step in defending his client’s rights and the integrity of his company. “This is an important win in protecting our client’s rights while we prepare to argue that these laws are unconstitutional,” Jones said.

The state has continued to investigate crypto mining operations across Arkansas, with Attorney General Tim Griffin noting that some businesses, including Jones Eagle, have failed to fully cooperate. In statements, Griffin emphasized his office’s role in ensuring compliance with state laws, although Chen has countered that he made efforts to clarify his citizenship status with the state, which were denied.

Arkansas’ efforts are partly tied to national security concerns, with state laws restricting property ownership by individuals from countries like China, as outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). However, Chen’s legal team argues that the laws unfairly discriminate against him based on his place of birth.

Regulatory Tensions and the Future of Crypto Legislation

This legal battle highlights the tension between state regulatory efforts and the rapidly growing crypto-mining industry, especially as concerns rise over foreign ownership and national security. Arkansas’ attempt to restrict such ownership is not an isolated incident, as similar laws have been enacted in other states, such as Texas, where the Public Utilities Commission has introduced regulations requiring miners to disclose detailed information about their operations.

While Arkansas grapples with these regulatory challenges, the case of Jones Eagle underscores the broader question of whether state laws can fairly restrict business practices based on the national origin of business owners.

As states like Arkansas tighten their control over foreign ownership in the business, legal challenges made by companies like Jones Eagle will be critical in defining the future of cryptocurrency legislation in the United States. Meanwhile, states like Texas continue to create a more friendly climate for digital asset enterprises, demonstrating a dramatic difference in regulatory attitude.