Immigration Detains Texas A&M Ph.D. Student After Brother's Wedding, Report Reveals

Background on Tae Heung “Will” Kim

Tae Heung “Will” Kim, a 40-year-old South Korean citizen, has been detained by immigration officials for over a week without clear explanation. Kim, who has lived in the United States since he was five years old, is currently a doctoral student at Texas A&M University. According to reports, he was taken into custody on July 21 at San Francisco International Airport after returning from a two-week trip to South Korea for his younger brother’s wedding.

Kim, who is also a green card holder, has reportedly been held without access to legal counsel. His attorney, Eric Lee, has stated that there is no public information about the reason for his detention. The situation has raised concerns among Kim’s family and supporters, particularly regarding his health and access to necessary medication.

Academic Background and Contributions

Kim is a Ph.D. student in biomedical sciences at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He began the program in the summer of 2021, following the completion of his bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering from the same university in 2007. According to a spokesperson for the university, Kim is in good standing with the institution.

His research focuses on potential vaccines for Lyme disease, which could have significant benefits for American farmers and outdoor workers. A 2022 article from the university’s Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences News highlights Kim’s work alongside other researchers studying ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Legal Concerns and Detention Details

According to Lee, Kim had a minor marijuana possession charge in Texas in 2011, which he resolved through community service and later had sealed through a nondisclosure petition. Lee believes this past incident may be related to his current detention but argues that Kim should qualify for a legal waiver that protects permanent residents from deportation due to minor offenses.

A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that Kim is in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. However, no official explanation has been provided for why he has been held beyond the typical 72-hour window. This lack of clarity has added to the growing concern surrounding his case.

Family Concerns and Health Issues

Kim’s family has expressed deep worry about his well-being during his detention. His mother, Sharon Lee, shared that she is most concerned about his asthma, which he has managed since childhood. She is unsure if he has enough medication, as he carries an inhaler but may not have sufficient supply.

The family has only received one brief phone call from Kim and a few short text messages, which they believe may have been relayed by an immigration officer using Kim’s phone. One message read, “Don’t worry about it.”

Broader Implications and Questions Raised

Lee has raised broader questions about the constitutional rights of long-term residents who return from travel abroad. He emphasized that Kim has lived in the U.S. for 35 years and is a green-card holder, yet he was detained after a two-week vacation. Lee argued that if the Constitution does not apply to someone like Kim, it would imply that it doesn’t apply to anyone who has spent less time in the country.

This case has sparked discussions about how immigration authorities handle individuals with long-term residency and minor past offenses. It also raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of the immigration process.

Ongoing Efforts and Future Steps

KBTX reached out to the offices of Representative Michael McCaul and Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn for comment. The station plans to continue monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Texas A&M University has not publicly indicated whether it has contacted federal officials or offered support to Kim or his family. As the case continues to unfold, many are hoping for clarity and resolution for Kim, whose research and contributions to science could have far-reaching impacts.