South Korean Student Detained by ICE After Manhattan Visa Hearing; Faith Leaders Rally for Her Release

Yeonsoo Go, a 20-year-old South Korean student at Purdue University and the daughter of a prominent Episcopalian priest in New York, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a routine visa hearing in Manhattan. The case has sparked widespread outcry among religious communities both in New York and South Korea, as well as concern from human rights advocates.

Detention Following Routine Hearing

Go attended a visa hearing with her mother in Manhattan, reportedly anxious due to ongoing headlines about strict immigration enforcement in the U.S. As they left the hearing, ICE agents were waiting outside and arrested her on July 31. According to ICE records, she was initially taken into federal custody near Manhattan before being transferred to the Richwood Correctional Center in Monroe, Louisiana—a common destination for recent detainees.

Contested Visa Status

The Department of Homeland Security alleges that Go overstayed a visa that expired two years ago and placed her in expedited removal proceedings. In contrast, an attorney for the Episcopal Diocese in New York insists Go's visa is valid through December and that the hearing was a standard part of her extension process. The attorney criticized the abruptness and apparent lack of due process surrounding her arrest, describing Go as "absolutely terrified" by the situation.

Go's mother, Reverend Kyrie Kim, serves as a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of New York and is recognized as the first woman ordained in the Anglican Church of Korea's Seoul Diocese. The family moved to the U.S. in 2021 under a religious worker's dependent visa (R-2), and Go was pursuing a pharmacy degree at Purdue after graduating high school in Scarsdale, New York.

Community and International Reaction

Faith leaders from the U.S. and South Korea have condemned Go's treatment. Over the weekend, groups rallied in Manhattan's Federal Plaza—where Go was first held—calling for her release. The demonstrations included prayers, music, and testimonies from friends who spoke about her positive influence and active involvement in community service, including helping make meals for the homeless.

The Episcopal Diocese, Interfaith Center of New York, and New York Immigration Coalition are publicly supporting Go. Rev. Dongshin Park, Primate of the Anglican Church of Korea, called for "a fair and transparent review" of her immigration status and underscored the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and Korea.

Go's father has appealed to the South Korean government to intervene. South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is providing consular assistance and remains in contact with U.S. authorities about Go's detention.

Broader Context

Go's arrest comes amid intensified immigration enforcement under current U.S. policy, including efforts to limit "sanctuary city" protections. The Justice Department recently sued New York City, accusing it of policies that impede federal enforcement.

As of Monday, Go remains detained in Louisiana, and her family, church community, and advocates continue to press for her prompt release and a thorough, humane review of her case.

If you would like to support Yeonsoo Go and her family during this difficult time, please consider donating to their official GoFundMe campaign. Funds will go towards legal fees, transportation, meals, and basic necessities as the family navigates this ordeal. Your contribution—no matter the amount—will make a meaningful difference.

Donate to help Yeonsoo Go's family here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-yeonsoos-legal-and-family-needs

Tips for International Students Navigating U.S. Immigration

The situation involving Yeonsoo Go underscores the challenges—and potential risks—international students can face in the United States. Here are important tips and reminders for international students and their families:

• Stay Informed About Your Visa Status: Always monitor your visa expiration date and ensure your paperwork—extensions, transcripts, and other required documentation—is up to date.
• Keep Copies of All Immigration Documents: Maintain both physical and digital copies of your passport, visa, I-20 (if on an F-1), and all other relevant records in a secure place.
• Engage Regularly With Your School's International Student Office: University advisors are invaluable for clarifying status questions, navigating requirements, and alerting you to changes in U.S. immigration policies.
• Consult Legal Experts: If you are unsure about your status or receive correspondence from ICE or the Department of Homeland Security, seek immediate assistance from a qualified immigration attorney.
• Don't Ignore Official Notices: If you receive an appointment or notice regarding your immigration status—even for a routine check-in—treat it seriously and prepare accordingly.
• Inform Trusted Contacts: Let a close friend, family member, or advisor know when and where you are attending any official immigration appointments.
• Know Your Rights: Learn what to do if approached by ICE officers. In most situations, you have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to refuse a search of your belongings without a warrant.

Warning About ICE Enforcement

Recent high-profile detentions highlight that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is strictly enforcing visa regulations and sometimes acting immediately following official hearings. International students should take extra caution, maintain robust legal records, and understand their rights in encounters with immigration authorities.

Proactively managing your immigration status and seeking support from university officials and legal counsel can help reduce the risk of sudden detention or deportation. If in doubt, ask for help—your safety and well-being depend on it.