What was meant to be a routine immigration check-in turned into a nightmare for 20-year-old Yeonsoo Go, a college student from Purdue University and daughter of a pioneering Episcopal priest.
But just days after her shocking detention by ICE, she walked free—into the arms of her mother, amid tears, cameras, and cheers of relief.
Their emotional embrace happened Monday night, right outside 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan—the same federal building where Go had been arrested days earlier.
This moment of joy followed a whirlwind of fear, outrage, and powerful community support.
Arrest Sparks Outrage Across Communities
Go, originally from South Korea, came to the U.S. in 2021 on an R-2 visa, a religious dependent visa, and had been living in Scarsdale, New York, with her mother, Rev. Kyrie Kim—the first woman ordained in the Seoul Diocese of the Anglican Church of Korea.
Last Thursday, after attending what she believed would be a standard immigration court appearance in Manhattan, she was arrested by plainclothes ICE agents.
According to witnesses and advocacy groups, she was surrounded outside the courthouse without a warrant and whisked away before speaking to her attorney.
Her detention drew swift condemnation from civil rights organizations, religious leaders, Korean American advocates, and elected officials.
Protesters gathered throughout the weekend, demanding her release—and by Monday evening, their voices had been heard.
Conflicting Claims Over Visa Status
At the heart of the dispute lies a conflict over Go’s visa status.
According to her lawyer, her R-2 visa remains valid through December 2025, and she even has a pending extension application.
A judge had been satisfied enough with her case to continue proceedings until October—with no order for detention.
However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) painted a very different picture.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called Go an “illegal alien” and claimed her visa had expired over two years ago.
ICE officials confirmed she was placed in expedited removal proceedings on July 31.
From Detention to Louisiana and Back
Following her arrest, Go was initially held at the ICE facility at 26 Federal Plaza, a location clergy have described as “unfit for human confinement.”
She was later transferred to a detention center in Louisiana, before being returned to New York just ahead of her release.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Go told PIX11 that it all felt surreal.
“I was praying hard,” she said, recalling the uncertainty of being locked up and moved across states.
Faith Leaders and Advocates Rally in Support
Go’s mother, Rev. Kyrie Kim, wasn’t alone in fighting for her daughter’s freedom.
She had the backing of faith leaders, legal advocates, and immigration organizations. Her situation, they stressed, reflects a much broader issue.
“This is not just about Soo,” said Rev. Kim. “There are others who need support too.”
Still overwhelmed with relief, she added, “I’m just happy that she’s with me.”
The Episcopal Diocese of New York, alongside the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) and the Interfaith Center of New York, organized press events and protests outside the ICE building in Lower Manhattan.
Flowers, posters, and handwritten notes from Go’s Scarsdale High classmates lined the courthouse fence.
Bishop, Advocates Call for Reform
On Saturday, faith leaders and elected officials addressed a crowd of supporters and press, calling for justice—not just for Go, but for others like her.
Bishop Matt Heyd declared, “We call for the end of weaponization in our courts.
We stand up for a New York and a country that respects the dignity of every person.”
Mary Rothwell Davis, attorney for the Episcopal Diocese, confirmed Go had been released on her own recognizance but said she was unsure of the full terms.
She added that Go is expected to have another hearing regarding her visa status in late August, and the hope is she’ll be able to return to Purdue University within weeks.
A Pattern of Targeting Korean Nationals?
Go’s arrest isn’t an isolated incident. Korean American advocates pointed to what they describe as a concerning rise in enforcement actions against Korean nationals—even those with legal documentation.
They cited the recent case of Tae Heung Will Kim, a Korean green card holder and Ph.D. student who was detained at San Francisco International Airport last month.
Kim was held for over a week before being moved to an ICE facility in Arizona, with little communication to his family.
Murad Awawdeh, CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, urged those facing immigration hearings to be cautious.
“Anyone going to court should contact the New York State Office of New Americans.
Have a family preparedness plan. If possible, ask for a virtual hearing,” he said.
What’s Next for Yeonsoo Go?
For now, Go is back with her family in Scarsdale, recovering from an experience that was as traumatic as it was unexpected.
Her case, though, is far from over. With another court date approaching, advocates remain watchful.
Go’s story has become a symbol—of both the brokenness of immigration enforcement and the power of collective action.
Whether she returns to Purdue in the coming weeks or remains caught in bureaucratic limbo, one thing is clear: the eyes of a movement are now on her.
