Texas A&M PhD Student Detained by ICE at San Francisco Airport

Tae Heung "Will" Kim, a green card holder and PhD candidate at Texas A&M University researching a Lyme disease vaccine, was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at San Francisco International Airport after returning from South Korea. Despite living in the U.S. since age five and holding a green card since 2011, Kim was placed in ICE custody pending removal proceedings, with no clear explanation provided for his detention. His attorneys highlight concerns about increased airport detentions by immigration authorities under President Trump's administration, which aims to accelerate deportations, sometimes affecting individuals with minor or old criminal records. Kim's family and lawyers have expressed worry about his health during detention, noting his asthma and limited access to medication. Advocates criticize these detentions as harsh and disruptive, noting that facilities at airports are not designed for long-term holding and that many detained individuals lack access to basic hygiene and adequate legal support. The case underscores broader tensions around immigration enforcement policies, particularly in the Bay Area where many face detention during routine immigration court appearances or check-ins.