Green Card Holder Detained at Airport Sparks Alarm

On July 29, 2025, The Washington Post reported the case of Tae Heung “Will” Kim, a lawful U.S. green card holder and PhD candidate in physics, who was detained at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for over a week. Kim had returned from a trip to South Korea and was flagged by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) due to a sealed misdemeanor marijuana conviction from 2011, when he was a teenager.

Despite holding legal permanent residency, Kim was not allowed to contact his family or legal counsel and was allegedly misled into signing paperwork that waived his rights. He was placed in ICE custody in Arizona before being released. The incident triggered outrage from legal experts, civil rights advocates, and members of the immigrant community, who argue that this is a violation of due process and an abuse of discretionary enforcement.

Analysis of the News

This case is not an isolated incident. It reflects a growing trend in U.S. immigration enforcement where legal immigrants—including green card holders—are subjected to aggressive scrutiny and detention. While CBP has the authority to inspect returning residents, the detainment of someone with no current criminal charges and a sealed record underscores how the system is increasingly bypassing norms of fairness and transparency.

The fact that Kim’s sealed misdemeanor from over a decade ago triggered such a response suggests an expanded use of AI-powered criminal databases and data sharing between law enforcement and immigration agencies. It raises questions about how "inadmissibility" is interpreted—and weaponized—at U.S. borders.

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Why a green card holder detained at the U.S. border matters to every immigrant

For green card holders, this event is a sobering reminder that permanent residency is not immunity from immigration enforcement. Those with any kind of past legal trouble—even minor, sealed, or expunged records—could be flagged, detained, or placed in removal proceedings upon re-entry.

Additionally, the lack of access to legal counsel during CBP processing reveals a dangerous grey zone in immigration law enforcement. If not challenged, this could normalize detentions without legal recourse for many lawful residents, especially those from marginalized or non-English-speaking communities.

Shan Potts Law Offices' Perspective

At Shan Potts Law Offices, we see this as a wake-up call for all lawful permanent residents and visa holders. The immigration system is becoming less forgiving with green card holder detained, and discretion at the ports of entry can now override the stability you may feel from holding a green card.

This case also highlights the critical importance of proactive legal preparation—even for those who believe their past is behind them. If you’ve had any interaction with the criminal justice system, including dismissed, juvenile, or sealed records, it’s essential to consult an immigration attorney before traveling internationally.

What You Should Do Next

If you're a green card holder and plan to travel internationally, take proactive steps to protect yourself:

• Make sure your documents are current, complete, and accessible.

• Consult your immigration attorney before traveling if you work in sensitive fields.

• Keep a written summary of your immigration history and employer details in your packet.

• Be calm but firm if questioned — and call Shan Potts Law Offices immediately if detained.

This story serves as a reminder that in today’s climate, preparation is protection — even for those who did everything right.