Another Columbia University student sues to stop deportation after dorm room search

Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News on Mar 25, 2025

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NEW YORK — A Columbia University junior who participated in pro-Palestinian protests is suing to block her imminent arrest and possible deportation after federal agents searched her dorm room.

Yunseo Chung, 21, was born in South Korea and after a decade in the U.S. became a lawful permanent resident in 2021. Earlier this semester, she participated in a hourslong takeover of the library at Barnard College, a women’s college affiliated with Columbia, and was arrested for not cooperating with police during a bomb threat. She was suspended on an interim basis.

Days later, Chung was told by the Trump administration that her lawful permanent resident status was revoked, and there was an administrative warrant for her arrest, according to Manhattan federal court documents. Agents visited her residence hall on March 13 and have showed up at her parents’ house, her lawyers said.

“The government’s retaliation against Ms. Chung comes in a broader context of retaliation against other noncitizens who have exercised their First Amendment rights,” read the complaint. “Officials at the highest levels of the federal government have made clear that they intend to use immigration enforcement to punish noncitizens who speak out in support of Palestinians and Palestinian rights.”

The warrant for Chung’s arrest comes after the detention of Columbia pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, whose possible deportation has sparked condemnation and protests over free speech.

The Trump administration also revoked the visa of another Columbia student, Ranjani Srinivasan, who has since fled the United States. Her dorm room was reportedly entered the same night as Chung’s. Columbia interim leader Katrina Armstrong described herself at the time of the searches as “heartbroken.”

Court documents did not reveal Chung’s current whereabouts. ICE did not immediately return a request for comment.

“Yunseo Chung has engaged in concerning conduct, including when she was arrested by NYPD during a pro-Hamas protest at Barnard College,” a senior Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said, The Associated Press reported. “She is being sought for removal proceedings under the immigration laws. Chung will have an opportunity to present her case before an immigration judge.”

Chung had been participating in the student protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza since 2023, but did not assume a “high-profile role,” her lawyers said. She briefly faced a disciplinary process last year for “Wanted” posters of Columbia trustees, though no action was taken.

She has made Dean’s List every semester, while holding legal internships and joining Columbia’s undergraduate law review, according to the complaint.

“The prospect of imminent detention, to be followed by deportation proceedings, has chilled her speech. Ms. Chung is now concerned about speaking up about the ongoing ordeal of Palestinians in Gaza as well as what is happening on her own campus,” the complaint stated.

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