Priest’s Daughter Told a Friend She Was Nervous Before ‘Routine’ Visa Hearing. Then She Was Detained by ICE for 5 Days

A 20-year-old college student and daughter of an Episcopal priest found herself in a harrowing situation after attending a routine visa hearing in New York City. Yeonsoo Go was detained by immigrant officials following the hearing on July 31, sparking days of fear and uncertainty for her and her family. However, after four days in detention, she was released on her own recognizance and reunited with her mother, Rev. Kyrie Kim, thanks to the support of the religious community.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security alleged that Yeonsoo Go had “overstayed her visa that expired more than two years ago.” However, legal representatives for the Episcopal Diocese of New York refuted this claim, asserting that her visa was valid until December of the current year. The Episcopal priest’s daughter had moved to the United States from South Korea with her mother in 2021 and was in the process of converting her religious worker’s dependent visa to a student visa.

Prior to her arrest, Yeonsoo Go had expressed nervousness to a friend about the detainments happening under the Trump administration. Her fears materialized when she was unexpectedly apprehended by ICE agents after the visa hearing. The sudden detention left Go and her mother shocked and terrified, unaware of what lay ahead. The Episcopal Diocese, along with the local religious community, stood by Go, emphasizing her legal status and rallying support for her release.

The case of Yeonsoo Go is one of many that have drawn attention amid heightened immigration enforcement measures. The community’s response to her detainment was one of solidarity and advocacy for justice. A GoFundMe campaign was set up to assist with legal expenses, reflecting the outpouring of support from those advocating for her freedom. The release of Yeonsoo Go was met with relief and celebration, with local officials affirming that the distressing ordeal she endured should never have occurred.

Following her release, New York Assemblymember Amy Paulin expressed solidarity with Yeonsoo Go and her family, acknowledging the pain and uncertainty they faced during the challenging time. Legal proceedings in Go’s case are ongoing, with a focus on cooperation with government authorities to address the discrepancies surrounding her visa status. The involvement of legal representatives and the community’s unwavering support have been instrumental in advocating for justice and upholding the rights of individuals like Yeonsoo Go.

The incident involving Yeonsoo Go sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by individuals navigating the immigration system, especially under evolving policies and enforcement practices. The importance of legal advocacy and community support in such cases underscores the need for a compassionate and fair approach to immigration issues. As Yeonsoo Go continues her academic pursuits at Purdue University, the solidarity shown by the community serves as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.