Columbia Student Faces Deportation After Anti-Israel Protest; Sues Trump Administration
A junior at Columbia University who was arrested during an anti-Israel demonstration earlier this month has filed a lawsuit against former President Trump and other high-ranking officials. The legal action aims to prevent federal authorities from deporting her.
Student Faces Immigration Proceedings
Yunseo Chung, 21, a legal permanent resident who immigrated from South Korea nearly 15 years ago, is facing deportation proceedings. This action comes as the Trump administration previously indicated its intention to remove non-citizens deemed threats to foreign policy.
Chung, who has resided in the U.S. since the age of seven, was not in federal custody as of Monday. Her attorney confirmed her continued presence within the country but did not disclose her precise location to The New York Times.
Arrested During Campus Protest
The Columbia University student reportedly came to the attention of federal agents following her arrest on March 5. She and other students were detained during a sit-in at a Barnard College building, protesting disciplinary actions taken by the Columbia-affiliated institution against anti-Israel activists.
NYPD officers charged Chung with obstructing governmental administration and issued her a desk appearance ticket.
Federal Investigation and Dormitory Raid
According to the lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, Department of Homeland Security agents visited Chung’s parents’ residence shortly after her arrest in search of her. Simultaneously, a federal agent contacted Chung via text message.
Chung’s legal representative was informed by the agent that the State Department was revoking Chung’s legal permanent resident status and had obtained an administrative warrant for her apprehension, court documents reveal.
The lawsuit further disclosed that federal law enforcement conducted raids on two Columbia-owned dormitories, including Chung’s, on March 13. Interim Columbia President Katrina Armstrong expressed her “heartbreak” regarding these raids at the time.
Free Speech Concerns Raised in Lawsuit
Chung’s legal team contends that the Trump administration’s actions are a retaliatory measure intended to suppress her right to free speech.
“The government’s retaliation against Ms. Chung occurs within a broader context of reprisal against noncitizens who have exercised their First Amendment rights,” her legal team asserted.
“Federal government officials at the highest levels have indicated their aim to employ immigration enforcement to penalize noncitizens for expressing support for Palestinians and Palestinian rights, or for perceived involvement in such expression,” the lawsuit states.
DHS Statement Cites “Concerning Conduct”
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson informed The Times that Chung “engaged in concerning conduct, including her arrest by NYPD during a pro-Hamas protest at Barnard College. She is subject to removal proceedings under immigration laws.”
Other Protesters Face Deportation
A small number of individuals involved in anti-Israel demonstrations are facing potential deportation, notably Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia student prominent in last year’s campus protests.
Khalil, who arrived in the U.S. in 2022 on a student visa to pursue a master’s degree and later became a permanent resident, was taken into custody on March 8. He is currently detained in Louisiana as legal disputes regarding his future in the country unfold between his lawyers and the federal government.
Past Disciplinary Action at Columbia
Chung was previously subject to a school disciplinary process last year for posting flyers accusing Columbia Board of Trustees of “Complicity in Genocide.” However, the university ultimately concluded that she had not violated any regulations.
Lawsuit Seeks to Halt Deportation
The lawsuit names several Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Attorney General William Barr, and Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf. It requests a judge to block Chung’s deportation and provide her with protection from arrest during legal proceedings.
The Post has reached out to the State Department, Attorney General’s Office, and Department of Homeland Security for comment.