Korean ICE Detainee Release Urged in Federal Court
Korean ICE detainee release advocates are expanding their campaign to free Beom-jin Park, who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while seeking a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen.
The MinKwon Center for Community Action and the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium, or NAKASEC, were among the organizations that sent a petition letter on Aug. 25 to U.S. District Judge Katharine Hayden in New Jersey, urging Park’s release.
Korean ICE Detainee Release Campaign Gains Support
Park had been pursuing adjustment of status after marrying a U.S. citizen and had only the final interview remaining in the green card process. However, ICE arrested him on July 21 as he attempted to board a domestic flight at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
He is currently being held at the Delaney Hall detention facility in New Jersey.
In their petition, the organizations emphasized that Park and his family had followed the required immigration procedures, including filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and completing biometric registration.
They argued that there is no justification for his continued detention because he has no criminal record and has consistently cooperated with immigration authorities.
The groups also said Park’s prolonged detention has caused severe emotional distress to his family, including his young children.
“Park should be released immediately so that he can reunite with his family while the legal process continues,” the organizations said in their request to the court.
Korean and Immigrant Groups Join Petition
The petition was supported by Korean American organizations including the Korean American Association of Greater New York, the Korean American Association of New Jersey, the Korean American Immigration Protection Network, the MinKwon Center, NAKASEC, the New York and New Jersey chapters of the Korean American Sanctuary Churches Network, HANA Center and the Korean American Peace Fund.
Other immigrant and Asian American organizations, including the Chinese-American Planning Council and the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, also participated.
The MinKwon Center and NAKASEC said arrests and detentions similar to Park’s case have been occurring across the country.
