Who Is Yunseo Chung? Columbia Student Files Lawsuit Against ICE Amid Deportation Threat

In a case that has gripped the academic and legal communities alike, Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old Columbia University student, is at the center of a high-stakes legal battle with the U.S. government. Despite holding lawful permanent resident status, Chung now finds herself under threat of deportation—sparking nationwide outrage and raising serious questions about free speech, political targeting, and the scope of immigration enforcement.

Who Is Yunseo Chung?

Chung is a South Korean-born student who has called the U.S. home since she was 7 years old. Currently in her third year at Columbia University, she’s known as a standout scholar—having graduated valedictorian of her high school class—and a passionate voice in campus activism.

While not a public figure on the level of other student activists, Chung has been involved in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia, quietly but consistently advocating for Palestinian rights and criticizing U.S. foreign policy. Her participation, however, appears to have drawn unwanted—and unprecedented—attention from federal authorities.

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Why Is ICE Targeting Her?

According to a lawsuit filed by Chung and her legal team, ICE agents issued an administrative warrant for her arrest and attempted to revoke her green card—a move her attorneys argue is both illegal and politically motivated.

The suit argues that only an immigration judge has the authority to revoke permanent residency, not ICE. Yet, Chung’s dorm room was searched, and her family home reportedly visited by agents in what the lawsuit describes as a targeted campaign of intimidation.

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“ICE’s shocking actions against Ms. Chung form part of a larger pattern of attempted US government repression of constitutionally protected protest activity,” the lawsuit reads.

The legal team argues this is part of a broader crackdown on university students who have voiced opposition to U.S. and Israeli policies in Gaza—an effort that they say amounts to silencing dissent under the guise of immigration enforcement.

Is Her Speech Protected?

At the heart of Chung’s case is the question of First Amendment rights. Her lawsuit alleges that her activism—peaceful, on-campus protest—is protected speech, and the government’s actions are a retaliatory measure meant to suppress political expression, especially from immigrant and international students.

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Advocacy groups have since rallied behind her, warning that the implications of her case stretch beyond immigration law—potentially setting a dangerous precedent for how student activism is policed in the U.S.

Where Is Yunseo Chung Now?

Though her current whereabouts remain undisclosed, Chung’s lawyers have confirmed to The New York Times that she is still in the country and remains in close communication with her legal team. The lack of transparency around her status has fueled concern, especially among fellow students and civil rights organizations.

What’s Next?

Chung’s case is still unfolding. If successful, her lawsuit could curb the reach of ICE and reinforce the legal protections of lawful residents. But if not, it could mark a chilling shift in how dissent is treated—especially for non-citizens and students involved in political activism.

For now, the fight continues—not just for Yunseo Chung, but for what her case now represents: a battle for free speech, immigrant rights, and the limits of power in a politically polarized America.