South Korean Student Detained by ICE Sparks Outcry and Support
A South Korean student, Yeonsoo Go, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a visa hearing in Manhattan. The 20-year-old, who attends Purdue University, was arrested on July 31, 2023, and is now held at the Richwood Correctional Center in Monroe, Louisiana. Her case has drawn significant attention and support from faith leaders and community advocates in both the United States and South Korea.
Go had expressed anxiety before her hearing, concerned about the immigration climate under the Trump administration, known for its stringent immigration enforcement policies. After the hearing, Go and her mother were met by ICE agents, leading to her arrest. According to Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, Go was taken into expedited removal proceedings for allegedly overstaying her visa, which reportedly expired two years ago.
However, Go’s attorney, Mary Davis, representing the Episcopal Diocese of New York, contested this claim, stating that Go’s current visa does not expire until December 2023. Davis characterized the situation as a sudden and distressing turn for Go, who was seeking to extend her visa during the hearing. “They thought they had come for a routine hearing, for due process, and they really fell into a black hole of unknown,” Davis remarked.
Go’s mother, Reverend Kyrie Kim, serves in the Asian ministry of the Episcopal Diocese in New York and has a notable history as the first woman ordained in the Seoul Diocese of the Anglican Church of Korea. Davis revealed that Kim is deeply concerned for her daughter’s well-being, describing her as “heartbroken” and “frightened.”
Community Support and Reactions
Following Go’s detention, various faith communities have rallied in her support. On August 5, 2023, members from the Episcopal Diocese of New York, the Interfaith Center of New York, and the New York Immigration Coalition gathered at Manhattan’s Federal Plaza to advocate for her release. The event featured prayers, songs, and signs displaying Go’s image. Friends described her as a compassionate individual who has positively influenced many lives, with one friend noting their shared experiences of volunteering for the homeless.
Go’s father, Sorg-young Go, expressed his distress over the situation, emphasizing his daughter’s dedication to her studies, which enabled her admission to Purdue’s College of Pharmacy. He lamented that this incident marred what should have been a positive transition into her second year of university. “It’s heartbreaking that this happened just as she was preparing for her second year. She’s a bright, outgoing girl with many friends,” he stated.
Calls for a fair review of her immigration status have emerged from various leaders, including Rev. Dongshin Park, Primate of the Anglican Church of Korea. Park underscored the importance of upholding human dignity and expressed hope for a transparent review process. “The US has long been a symbol of liberty, justice, and opportunity, and a trusted partner of Korea,” he noted.
The detainment of Go occurs against a backdrop of intensified scrutiny and legal challenges faced by sanctuary cities like New York City, particularly with the federal government’s recent lawsuits aimed at enforcing stricter immigration laws.
Appeal for Government Intervention
In light of the situation, Go’s family has urged the South Korean government to intervene. “I hope the South Korean government does everything in its capacity, as quickly as possible, so Yeonsoo can be released from her detention as soon as possible,” Sorg-young stated. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is in contact with US officials regarding Go’s case. They have been providing necessary consular assistance since learning of her detention.
As the community continues to advocate for Go, her future remains uncertain. Many are watching closely, hoping for a swift resolution that allows her to continue her education and return to her life in the US.
