A Korean scientist and permanent resident, Tae Heung Kim, has been held by U.S. immigration authorities for over a week since July 21, 2025, after returning to the United States 🇺🇸 from his brother’s wedding in Korea. Despite holding a green card and living in the United States 🇺🇸 since age five, Kim remains in ICE custody without access to his lawyer or a clear explanation for his detention.
Kim, a PhD student at Texas A&M University, researches a Lyme disease vaccine. His only legal issue was a minor marijuana possession charge in Texas in 2011. He completed community service and successfully petitioned to seal the record. Kim’s attorney, Eric Lee, says this minor and sealed offense should not justify detention or deportation, especially given Kim’s long-term residency and legal status. Lee has been unable to contact Kim, stating that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials denied Kim the right to legal counsel, claiming constitutional protections like the Fifth and Sixth Amendments do not apply in this situation.
CBP’s statement explains that a drug conviction can lead to a Notice to Appear and detention coordinated with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). This is the basis for Kim’s detention. However, Lee argues that the waiver process usually allows officials to overlook such minor offenses, especially when sealed, and that deporting Kim for this reason is highly unusual. “Detaining and denying counsel to a green card holder with a sealed, minor offense is a clear violation of basic rights,” Lee said.
Kim’s case comes during a period of stricter immigration enforcement under President Trump’s 2025 policies, which include expanded deportations, fewer relief programs, and tougher enforcement nationwide. Project 2025, a key policy plan, has brought faster removal processes, fewer protections for immigrants, and more cooperation between federal and local law enforcement. These changes have raised concerns about due process and constitutional rights for legal permanent residents and other immigrants.
Key facts:
– Detention timeline: Kim has been detained since July 21, 2025, with no release or lawyer access.
– Legal status: Green card holder, U.S. resident since age 5, PhD student at Texas A&M University.
– Past offense: 2011 minor marijuana possession, record sealed after community service.
– Government stance: CBP and ICE treat the offense as grounds for removal, denying constitutional rights to counsel.
– Attorney’s position: Detention and denial of counsel violate constitutional protections; case should clear the waiver process.
– Policy context: Part of broader 2025 enforcement under Project 2025 and President Trump’s executive orders.
This situation has practical effects for many green card holders, especially those with minor or old offenses. It may discourage immigrants from traveling or seeking legal help, and raises questions about due process and access to legal representation. As reported by VisaVerge.com, Kim’s case could become a test of constitutional rights for permanent residents under these new policies.
Legal challenges and advocacy efforts are likely as immigrant rights groups monitor the case. For more information on green card rights and removal proceedings, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services page on Green Card Rights and Responsibilities. Kim’s case highlights the real-life impact of changing immigration policies and the importance of legal protections for all residents.
Learn Today
Green card → An identification card proving permanent resident status in the United States allowing lawful stay and work.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. agency enforcing immigration laws and detention of immigrants.
CBP → Customs and Border Protection, U.S. agency managing border security and entry of people and goods.
Notice to Appear (NTA) → A formal immigration document initiating removal or deportation proceedings in U.S. immigration court.
Project 2025 → A 2025 U.S. immigration policy plan increasing deportations and restricting immigrant protections nationwide.
This Article in a Nutshell
Tae Heung Kim, a green card holder and Texas A&M PhD student, faces indefinite detention due to a sealed minor offense amid stringent 2025 immigration policies restricting rights.
— By VisaVerge.com
