New York City – Korean, Palestinian, and Jewish American groups called for the Trump administration to end the attempted deportation of Yunseo Chung, bringing together hundreds of people in a show of solidarity. In addition to packing the courtroom, supporters congregated in Foley Square, calling for an end to the persecution of Yunseo Chung and other students like Mahmoud Khalil. Over 30 organizations representing Korean American, Palestinian American, Jewish American, and immigrant rights constituencies were present.
Yunseo Chung, a Columbia student who has been targeted by the federal government for her pro-Palestine views, had her second hearing today in the Southern District of New York federal court. Chung filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration in March, following unlawful attempts by ICE and the federal government to detain and deport her, as has been reported on by The Intercept. The proceeding considered whether to issue an order that Chung should not be detained while her federal litigation case is ongoing. No removal proceedings have commenced against Chung as of now, and the federal government has yet to present any evidence against her. The federal judge determined that the temporary restraining order on Chung’s detainment remains in effect until her next hearing on June 5th.
Jamie Tyberg, of Nodutdol for Korean Community Development said, “The Trump administration’s persecution of Yunseo Chung and other pro-Palestine students is a blatant attack on immigrants, free speech, and Palestinian solidarity. The government has failed to provide evidence to support its case against Chung and has engaged in unlawful activity in its attempts to deport her. The Trump administration must end its witch hunt against students, immigrants, and activists and commit to the demands broadly supported by the people of this country: an arms embargo against Israel and an end to the siege on Gaza.”
Taher Dahleh, of Palestinian Youth Movement said, “The Trump administration’s attacks on Yunseo Chung, like those against Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi, are a cynical attempt to limit pro Palestine speech rights. Yunseo is facing deportation for having taken part in protests against the US-backed Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, which is currently facing a full scale blockade on humanitarian aid and starvation conditions. The real criminals here are not Yunseo or other student protesters, but those who create the conditions they’re protesting: Israel and the US.”
Photo Credit: Wyatt Souers