South Korean Student Detained by ICE After Visa Hearing: Church Communities Rally for Release

A 20-year-old South Korean student, Yeonsoo Go, studying at Purdue University and daughter of a revered Episcopal priest in New York City, faced a visa hearing last week amid heightened concerns over the Trump administration’s tough immigration enforcement policies.

Her apprehensions materialized when she and her mother left the hearing in Manhattan on Thursday to find United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents waiting for them. Go was subsequently arrested and detained locally, before being transferred – like numerous recent ICE detainees – to a facility in Louisiana.

Communities of faith in New York City and South Korea are now voicing their disapproval of Go’s treatment by US immigration authorities and advocating for her release.

According to Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, Go was placed in expedited removal proceedings due to overstaying a visa that expired more than two years ago. In a statement to CNN, the department asserted that individuals who reside unlawfully in the country have the option to depart voluntarily or face arrest and deportation.

However, an attorney for the Episcopal Diocese of New York, where Go’s mother serves as a priest, claimed that Go’s current visa does not expire until December, with Thursday’s hearing intended to address her application for an extension. The attorney, Mary Davis, did not specify the type of visa Go held or was seeking but described her as “terrified.”

Rev. Kyrie Kim, Go’s mother, is a part of the Asian ministry within the Episcopal Diocese of New York and made history as the first woman to be ordained in the Seoul Diocese of the Anglican Church of Korea, according to the church. Go relocated to the US with her mother in 2021 on a religious worker’s dependent visa, known as the R-2, as confirmed by a statement from the Anglican Church of Korea.

CNN has contacted ICE for additional information.

On Saturday, supporters from the Episcopal Diocese of New York, the Interfaith Center of New York, and the New York Immigration Coalition convened in Manhattan’s Federal Plaza, where Go was held following her arrest, according to Davis and the diocese. The gathering included prayers, songs, and a march featuring signs bearing Go’s image. Friends spoke of her positive impact on those around her.

Gabriella Lopez, one of Go’s friends, shared her concern before the visa hearing on Thursday. “Soo has been there for me,” she said, referring to Go. Another friend revealed they used to prepare meals for the homeless together, according to footage of the event from WCBS.

Go’s mother reportedly received regular calls from her daughter following her arrest until Monday, when it was learned that Go had been transferred to Louisiana from online records, as informed by the Rev. Matthew Heyd of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.

Currently, Go is detained at the Richwood Correctional Center in Monroe, Louisiana, according to ICE records.

“When I first heard about Yeonsoo’s situation, my mind went completely blank,” said Sorg-young, Go’s father. He detailed his daughter’s academic achievements that led her to Purdue University’s College of Pharmacy. The family is hopeful for a bright future for Go after she successfully completed her freshman year.

“We call for the prompt release of Ms. Go and demand a fair and transparent review of her immigration status while upholding human dignity and shared values between our nations,” stated Rev. Dongshin Park, Primate of the Anglican Church of Korea. The US has long been viewed as a symbol of liberty, justice, and opportunity, and a trusted partner of South Korea.

Go’s detention occurs amidst efforts by the Trump administration to tighten its grip on “sanctuary cities” like New York City. In July, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the city over policies aimed at impeding the federal government’s ability to enforce immigration laws.

The family is appealing to the South Korean government for intervention in Go’s case, as expressed by her father. “I hope the South Korean government takes swift action to secure Yeonsoo’s release from detention as soon as possible,” he said.

South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed communication with US officials over Go’s detention and stated it is providing necessary consular assistance since becoming aware of the case. CNN reached out to the South Korean consulate in Washington, DC, for further comment.