Scientist Held in 'Inhumane' Airport Conditions Without Answers

A Scientist’s Ordeal at a California Airport

A scientist returning home from vacation has been held in “inhumane conditions” at a California airport for over a week without any explanation or legal counsel. Tae Heung “Will” Kim, 40, was detained at the San Francisco International Airport by immigration officials after a two-week trip to South Korea for his younger brother’s wedding.

According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines, individuals in CBP custody “should generally not be held for longer than 72 hours in CBP hold rooms or holding facilities.” Yet, Kim has been held for almost triple the suggested time. This raises serious concerns about the treatment of lawful permanent residents and the adherence to established procedures.

Kim was born in Korea but has lived in the U.S. since he was 5 years old. He is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and currently lives in Texas. Despite this, he has faced prolonged detention without access to legal representation or family members.

Legal Concerns and Constitutional Rights

Kim’s attorney, Eric Lee, stated that the government has not provided an explanation for his client’s detention and has barred him from speaking directly to an attorney or his family members. In a statement to the Daily Beast on Tuesday, Lee revealed that a CBP Supervisor Officer explicitly denied Will the right to speak to his lawyers. When asked whether the Constitution applied to Kim, a green card holder who has lived in the U.S. for 35 years, the officer reportedly said, “No.”

If confirmed, this would be a violation of Kim’s constitutional rights under the Fifth and Sixth Amendments, which protect an individual’s right to legal counsel and due process.

Detention Conditions and Health Concerns

Kim’s immigration lawyer, Karl Krooth, described the conditions of his detention as “appalling.” According to Krooth, CBP kept the lights on 24 hours per day, not allowing Kim to see any daylight because the only time he was allowed near a window was at night. He was given no fluids besides water, ate only concession stand food, and slept in a chair rather than a bed.

The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) expressed concern over Kim’s prolonged detention and lack of access to his lawyer. The organization also noted that Kim suffers from asthma and is unsure about his access to medication while being held in “inhumane conditions.”

Impact on Scientific Research and Public Perception

Kim is currently a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University researching a vaccine for Lyme disease. This situation has drawn attention due to its irony, as it highlights the potential loss of critical biomedical work. Lee remarked that “Donald Trump is depriving the American people of Will Kim’s critical biomedical work, prolonging the search for a vaccine for Lyme disease.”

Lee also pointed out that Trump often speaks about his support for American farmers, adding that “Tae is somebody who can save farmers’ lives.”

Broader Context of Immigration Policies

Kim’s detainment comes amid the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on immigration. Earlier this year, a Russian scientist granted a visa to research at Harvard Medical School was also detained. These incidents have raised questions about the treatment of immigrants and the balance between security and due process.

Family’s Plea and Communication Restrictions

So far, Kim has only been allowed to make a quick phone call to his mother, Sharon Lee, on Friday. In a statement to the Beast, she expressed her concern: “My children only know the U.S. as home. Will should not be trapped or treated poorly just because he made a mistake or is not a citizen. He deserves to go back to his normal life.”

The rest of his communications with his family have been mediated through what seems to be an immigration official texting through Kim’s phone with him nearby. Lee told The Washington Post that this method of communication is highly restrictive and does not allow for meaningful interaction.

Past Incidents and Potential Waivers

Kim was previously charged with possessing a small amount of marijuana almost 15 years ago and successfully completed his court-ordered community service. Lee told The Washington Post that Kim meets the criteria for a waiver that allows immigration officials to overlook minor crimes that might affect the status of a legal permanent resident.

This case underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to constitutional principles in the treatment of lawful permanent residents. As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on ensuring that Kim receives the legal support and humane treatment he is entitled to.