UPDATE: Yeonsoo Go, a 20-year-old South Korean student at Purdue University, has been released after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for five days due to a visa dispute. Go’s arrest occurred immediately after a visa hearing in Manhattan on Thursday, July 27, 2023, sparking outrage and calls for her release from community members and church organizations.
Go, the daughter of a respected Episcopal priest, expressed concerns about her visa status before her hearing, fearing the implications of the current immigration climate under the Trump administration. Following her hearing, she and her mother were met by ICE agents, leading to her detention in a facility in Louisiana.
Supporters rallied for Go’s release, highlighting her positive impact on friends and the community. The Episcopal Diocese of New York and other organizations organized a gathering at Federal Plaza in Manhattan, where attendees prayed, sang, and displayed signs advocating for her freedom.
“We thought we were attending a routine hearing, but it turned into a nightmare,” said attorney Mary Davis, representing the Episcopal Diocese. Davis clarified that Go’s current visa does not expire until December 2023, contradicting ICE’s claims that she was in expedited removal proceedings for overstaying a visa.
The detention raised significant concerns about the treatment of individuals in immigration proceedings. Go’s attorney described her as “absolutely terrified” during the ordeal. The community mobilized quickly, showcasing solidarity and compassion for the young woman, who had just completed her freshman year in Purdue’s College of Pharmacy.
Go’s mother, the Rev. Kyrie Kim, serves in the Asian ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Friends described her as a dedicated individual who often volunteered to prepare meals for the homeless. “Soo has been there for me,” said Gabriella Lopez, a friend who expressed shock at the turn of events leading to Go’s detention.
Her release on Monday evening was welcomed by her family, who were anxiously waiting for news after learning about her transfer to Louisiana through online records. “It’s heartbreaking that this happened just as she was preparing for her second year,” her father, Sorg-young, shared with CNN, emphasizing her hard work and aspirations.
As this situation continues to unfold, the South Korean government has confirmed that it is in communication with U.S. officials regarding Go’s case, providing necessary consular assistance.
Community leaders, including Rev. Dongshin Park of the Anglican Church of Korea, are calling for a fair review of Go’s immigration status, emphasizing the values of liberty and justice that the U.S. represents.
The incident reflects the ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration policy, particularly in relation to sanctuary cities like New York. As this story develops, many are closely watching for further implications regarding immigration enforcement and the treatment of international students in the United States.
For now, Yeonsoo Go is back with her family, but the impact of her detention resonates within her community and beyond, highlighting the urgent discussions surrounding immigration reform and human rights.
