Scarsdale student released from ICE detention; GOP Rep. Mike Lawler calls for immigration reform
SCARSDALE, New York (WABC) -- The last few days were a chaotic and troubling experience for Yeonsoo Go, a 20-year-old Scarsdale, NY resident with an active student visa who was detained by ICE on Thursday and released Monday following public outcry from both sides of the Hudson and the political aisle.
Yeonsoo Go "was ecstatic. We were all so happy, it was just one of the most emotional, moving experiences I've had in a long time," Westchester Assemblymember Amy Paulin, a Democrat who represents Scarsdale, reacted to Go's release.
A bipartisan team of lawmakers worked to ensure Go's release, including Paulin and Republican Congressman Mike Lawler.
"My office worked closely with federal officials to assist in securing her release," Lawler said. "Yeonsoo's case is yet another example of why we must fix our broken immigration system and make it easier for folks to come here and stay, the right way."
Lawler told Eyewitness News that the confusion regarding Go's visa appeared to be tied to a change in Go's mother's employment.
Go is currently an engineering student at Purdue University. Her mom works at an Episcopal church in Scarsdale. The two are known and beloved by many in Scarsdale and beyond.
On Thursday, Go attended a routine hearing to renew her visa, which expires in December, her lawyer said.
When she stepped outside of the courtroom, ICE agents were waiting to arrest her. She was sent to a federal immigration detention facility in Louisiana.
On Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement calling Go an "illegal alien from South Korea ... who overstayed her visa that expired more than two years ago," adding, "ICE arrested her on July 31 and placed her in expedited removal proceedings."
Public outcry was immediate.
The incident, and the harsh reality of ICE detention and immigrant deportation, sent shock waves through the affluent village of Scarsdale, where the 20-year-old attended high school.
Advocates, politicians, faith leaders and community members voiced their support for Go throughout the weekend through protests, prayer vigils, and other events.
On Monday, Go and her mother had an emotional reunion following her release from ICE detention.
"Everything just feels surreal. I don't think the reality hit me yet," Go said.
The grueling saga isn't over for Go, who was released with an ankle monitor.
There are future court appearances scheduled as she seeks to extend her student visa and continue her college career in the U.S.
Go's lawyer tells Eyewitness News that her status was lawful, and her visa was valid through December, and they don't understand why DHS claimed she overstayed. Go's lawyer also said that they are cooperating with federal authorities.
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