Green-Card Scientist Detained at SFO Faces Deportation

Tae Heung "Will" Kim, a Korean-born PhD student and longtime U.S. permanent resident, has been detained by immigration authorities at San Francisco International Airport since July 21 after returning from his brother’s wedding in South Korea. Kim, who has lived in the U.S. since age five and holds a green card, has reportedly faced poor detention conditions and limited communication with his family. Customs and Border Protection confirmed he is in ICE custody pending removal proceedings, citing a 2011 misdemeanor marijuana possession charge in Texas for which Kim completed community service. Legal advocates and Kim’s attorneys argue that his case highlights the Trump administration's intensified deportation efforts for old drug offenses and raises serious concerns about due process and constitutional protections for long-term residents. The situation has sparked public outcry and heightened fears among immigrant communities about increased airport detentions and deportations for dated or minor offenses. Kim’s case remains unresolved as legal challenges are pursued.