A South Korean college student who has lived in the United States since 2021 was arrested by federal immigration authorities moments after attending a scheduled court hearing in New York City last month.

According to Daily Mail, Yeonsoo Go, a 20-year-old Purdue University student and the daughter of a prominent Episcopal priest, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on July 31, igniting widespread protests over alleged due process violations and concerns about rising immigration enforcement targeting Korean nationals.

Go arrived in the U.S. on an R-2 dependent visa in 2021 alongside her mother, Rev. Kyrie Kim, the first woman ordained in the Seoul Diocese of the Anglican Church of Korea. She graduated from Scarsdale High School in New York and later enrolled at Purdue University to continue her studies.

Detained Outside Courtroom Despite Hearing Adjournment

Her arrest occurred outside the federal immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan following a scheduled hearing. Although the judge had adjourned her case and scheduled a follow-up hearing for October, Go was approached by plainclothes ICE officers and taken into custody immediately after exiting the court building.

No warrant was presented at the time of her arrest, and she was not allowed to consult further with her attorney before being held by ICE. According to her legal team, the judge had not indicated any intent to detain her during the hearing.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that Go had overstayed her visa, which they claimed expired more than two years ago. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that her case fell within a broader effort to enforce immigration law and prevent visa misuse.

Family And Legal Team Dispute Government’s Claims

Go’s representatives firmly challenge the DHS’s assertion, maintaining that her visa remains valid through December 2025. They noted that her status was lawfully extended in 2023, and she has a pending case in immigration court.

“She has a valid visa that expires in December 2025, and she has a pending application for extension,” said a legal representative for Go, adding that the judge’s decision to reschedule the case indicated he found no reason to detain her that day.

Faith leaders and immigrant rights advocates described the arrest as shocking and unnecessary, given the court's decision to allow her case to proceed to a later date. They further criticized the method of detention and the lack of transparency shown by ICE.

Protests, Vigils, And Mounting Community Support

Since her arrest, Go has been held in an ICE holding area within the same federal building where she attended the hearing. Clergy members have raised concerns about the conditions in the facility, which reportedly lacks beds, showers, and access to hot meals.

“She was with her mother. She was heartbroken ... she was terrified,” said her boyfriend, Leo Chu, describing her emotional state following the arrest. “She didn't know what would happen next.”

Advocacy organizations such as the Episcopal Diocese of New York, the New York Immigration Coalition, and the Interfaith Center of New York have organized protests and vigils outside the federal building. Supporters have placed flowers, messages, and American flags at the site.

South Korean Government Reacts As Comparisons Emerge

South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is communicating with U.S. officials on Go’s behalf and providing consular assistance. Community leaders, including the president of the Korean American Association of Greater New York, issued public statements decrying the arrest as a violation of human rights.

Gabriella Lopez, a friend of Go’s, said, “Her fears have come true,” reflecting the anxiety that immigrants and their families are experiencing in the current enforcement climate. She noted that Go had long worried this might happen to her.

Go’s situation has drawn parallels to the recent case of Tae Heung Will Kim, a Korean Ph.D. student and legal resident who was detained without warning at San Francisco International Airport in a separate immigration case.

Accusations Of Disproportionate Targeting And Policy Scrutiny

Some Korean American advocacy groups suggest a trend of increased immigration enforcement actions disproportionately affecting Korean nationals. Legal experts argue that more federal oversight is needed to ensure fair and lawful treatment across all communities.

“These detentions are not only illegal — they're immoral,” said Bishop Matthew Heyd, coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, describing the treatment of Go and calling for immediate changes to ICE enforcement protocols.

“We call for the end of weaponization in our courts,” Heyd emphasized during a public rally. “We stand up for a New York and a country that respects the dignity of every person.”

Ongoing Efforts To Secure Release And Maintain Public Pressure

Go’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover legal fees and support her during detention. Her mother has not been permitted to visit and continues to rely on brief phone calls for communication with her daughter.

Rallies and faith-led vigils are being scheduled throughout New York to maintain visibility on the case. Organizers hope sustained public attention will pressure immigration officials to reconsider the arrest and release of Go from federal custody.

“I never imagined that my own family would become a target,” Rev. Kim said. “This is simply an incomprehensible situation.”