Scientist Detained at SFO for Over a Week, Lawyer Reveals

A Legal Permanent Resident Detained at Airport Amid Uncertainty

A legal permanent resident of the United States, Tae Heung “Will” Kim, has been detained at San Francisco International Airport for an extended period, raising concerns about his well-being and the circumstances surrounding his arrest. Kim, a 40-year-old researcher from South Korea who moved to the U.S. at age five, was returning from his brother’s wedding in South Korea on July 21 when he was taken out of secondary screening for reasons that remain unclear.

According to his attorney, Eric Lee, Kim has been held for a week without being allowed to communicate with anyone except for a brief call to his family last week. Lee is currently unable to speak directly with his client, and the exact location of Kim remains unknown. Multiple sources have provided conflicting information regarding his whereabouts. A Senate office reportedly indicated that Kim was being transferred to an immigration facility in Texas, while a representative from the Korean Consulate suggested he might be sent elsewhere.

Legal Background and Concerns

Kim has a history of a minor marijuana possession charge from 2011, which his lawyer argues should not justify such an extended detention. Lee expressed confusion over the severity of the situation, questioning whether a past misdemeanor could warrant being held in a windowless room under the airport terminals for an entire week.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Los Angeles Times. However, a spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection told the Washington Post, which first reported the story, that Kim is in ICE custody pending removal hearings. The spokesperson also explained that if a green card holder is convicted of a drug offense or violates their status, they may receive a Notice to Appear, and CBP coordinates detention space with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Lee criticized the handling of the case, suggesting that it would be absurd to detain someone for a minor offense like a small amount of marijuana. He warned that if every American with a similar record were treated this way, it would set a dangerous precedent.

Health and Family Concerns

Kim’s mother, Yehoon “Sharon” Lee, expressed deep concern for her son’s health during his time in custody. She mentioned that he has had asthma since childhood and carries an inhaler, but she is unsure if he has enough medication. “I don’t know if it’s enough, because he’s been there a week,” she said, according to the Washington Post.

Kim’s parents entered the U.S. on business visas in the 1980s, but by the time they became naturalized citizens, Kim was too old to automatically gain citizenship. Despite this, he has lived most of his life in the U.S. and holds a green card. After helping manage his family’s doll-manufacturing business following his father’s death, Kim recently began a doctoral program at Texas A&M University, where he is working on research for a Lyme disease vaccine.

Broader Implications and Warnings

This case highlights a growing trend of U.S. permanent residents being detained at airports, particularly those with any criminal records, no matter how minor. These incidents have led some experts to advise green-card holders to avoid traveling abroad to reduce the risk of being denied re-entry.

The situation involving Kim underscores the vulnerability of legal residents, even those with long-standing ties to the U.S. His case raises important questions about the treatment of individuals with minor offenses and the potential consequences of leaving the country. As the legal process unfolds, many are watching closely to see how this case will be resolved and what it means for others in similar situations.