A South Korean green card holder, Tae Heung “Will” Kim, remains in custody after being detained at San Francisco International Airport on July 21, 2025. Kim, a doctoral student who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 since childhood, was stopped by immigration authorities while returning from his brother’s wedding in South Korea. He has since been transferred to an Arizona detention center, raising concerns among immigrant communities and advocacy groups.
Kim’s detention comes as part of a wider increase in immigration enforcement. ICE now holds over 48,000 people nationwide, a 20% jump since January 2025. Arizona, where Kim is now held, has some of the highest numbers of detainees, with about 3,000 immigrants in custody daily. Many of these detention centers are run by private companies, and conditions have faced criticism from watchdog groups.
Reason for Detention
Kim has not received an official explanation for his detention. However, his legal team and advocacy groups believe it may be linked to a 2011 misdemeanor marijuana charge. Although Kim completed community service for this minor offense years ago, current immigration law allows authorities to challenge or even revoke a green card holder’s status for certain drug-related convictions, no matter how old or minor.
Legal and Advocacy Response
Groups like the National Korean American Education and Service Consortium (NAKASEC) and the ACLU of Arizona have stepped in to support Kim and others in similar situations. They argue that prolonged detention without clear charges or fair review is unjust, especially for lawful permanent residents with minor past offenses. Kim’s attorney, Karl Krooth, says, “The reasons for his detention remain unclear,” and is pushing for his release and due process.
Detention and Removal Process
When someone like Kim is stopped at the airport, Customs and Border Protection or ICE can detain them if they suspect an immigration violation. Detainees are often moved to ICE facilities, such as the Arizona detention center, while they wait for removal proceedings. These proceedings involve court hearings where the person can try to fight deportation. However, the process is slow, and many face long waits with limited access to legal help, especially if they have any criminal record, even for minor offenses.
Conditions in Arizona Detention Centers
Arizona’s detention centers, including those run by private contractors, have been criticized for poor conditions and lack of oversight. The Arizona Department of Corrections works with ICE under the 287(g) program, which helps identify and detain immigrants with possible violations.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
Cases like Kim’s show the risks green card holders face under current enforcement policies. As reported by VisaVerge.com, even minor past convictions can lead to detention and possible removal. Advocacy groups are calling for policy changes to protect long-term residents and improve legal protections.
For those concerned about detention or removal, it’s important to know your rights and seek legal help quickly. The official ICE Detention Facility Locator provides information on where detainees are held and their rights.
Kim’s case highlights the urgent need for fair treatment and clear rules for green card holders, especially as enforcement efforts grow. Advocacy and legal support remain key for those facing similar challenges.
Learn Today
Green card holder → A lawful permanent resident authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and detention.
Detention center → A facility where immigration detainees are held while awaiting hearings or deportation.
287(g) program → An agreement allowing local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws under ICE supervision.
Deportation proceedings → Legal process where immigration courts determine if a person should be removed from the U.S.
This Article in a Nutshell
South Korean green card holder Tae Heung Kim was detained returning from his brother’s wedding. This highlights stricter immigration enforcement, with over 48,000 detained nationwide. Legal teams and advocacy groups fight prolonged detention without clear charges, especially concerning minor past offenses and unclear explanations for detention.
— By VisaVerge.com
