Texas researcher faces deportation after being held for a week at San Francisco airport
It was unclear why Tae Heung "Will" Kim, who is a legal permanent resident with a green card, was detained July 21, his attorney Karl Krooth said at a news conference. Kim, who went to South Korea to attend his brother's wedding, is now in removal proceedings to be deported and is being held at an immigration detention facility in Arizona, Krooth said, adding that he has yet to talk to his client.
Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that any green card holder who has a drug offense is in violation of their legal status and can be detained. His attorneys said Kim was charged in 2011 with misdemeanor marijuana possession in Texas, where recreational use is illegal.
His attorneys declined to discuss those charges Thursday. But one attorney told the Washington Post, which first reported on Kim's detention, that he fulfilled a community service requirement and successfully petitioned for nondisclosure to seal the offense from the public record.
Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has launched an unprecedented campaign of immigration enforcement that has pushed the limits of executive power and clashed with federal judges trying to restrain him. American citizens, legal permanent residents, visa holders and visitors have been stopped at airports and detained for days. Some have faced deportation for minor infractions.
Kim, 40, has spent most of his life in the U.S., arriving at the age of 5. After helping out in his family's doll-manufacturing business following the death of his father, he recently entered a doctoral program at Texas A&M and is helping to research a vaccine for Lyme disease.
His attorney said holding Kim at the airport denied him his right to due process.
"The airport is not a detention facility. The airport is not in the immigration courtroom. And Customs and Border Protection officers are interrogators, they are not neutral arbiters," he said.
Krooth said his client was moved between two small rooms in the daytime at the airport.
"He was moved within what's called secondary inspection at least twice per day from one area where there were no windows," Krooth said.
At night he was moved to another room where he slept in a chair, Krooth said. An airport spokesperson said in an email that "the airport is not notified when CBP denies entry to a passenger," referring inquiries to federal officials.
His attorneys were not allowed access to Kim while he was at the airport and he was given only one phone call and periodic texts with his brother. There has been no communication with Kim since he's been transferred to Arizona, Krooth said.
Kim's mother, Yehoon "Sharon" Lee, told reporters Thursday through an interpreter that her son has asthma and she worries about him getting proper medical care in detention.
Lee told the Washington Post that she and her husband entered the U.S. on business visas in the 1980s, and by the time they became naturalized citizens, Kim was too old to get automatic citizenship.
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Chicago Tribune
2 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
What US consumers can expect from new tariffs on imported goods
American businesses and consumers soon will have a better idea of how President Donald Trump's foreign trade agenda might affect them now that the United States has imposed higher tariffs on products from dozens of countries. It's been nearly 100 years since the nation had an overall import tax rate as high as the one set Thursday. But the individual impact on business costs and consumer prices could vary as much as the tariffs applied to goods of nearly 70 U.S. trading partners, from complicated economies like the European Union to the small African nation of Lesotho. Exports from a majority of them are getting taxed at 15%. For a handful of countries in Asia, the rate is 19%. Products from the rest are subject to taxes of 20% to 50%. Meanwhile, a 55% tariff on Chinese-made goods is scheduled to take effect next week if a U.S.-China trade deal is not agreed on before then. Businesses in the U.S. and abroad have been dealing in various ways since February with Trump's fluctuating tariffs on specific products and countries. Many automakers appeared to have absorbed the costs for now. But recent government data indicated that retail prices for groceries, furniture and appliances started creeping up in June. President Donald Trump's broad tariffs go into effect, just as economic pain is surfacingBecause tariffs are a tax on imports, economists have expected U.S. consumers to foot at least part of the bill eventually. The country-specific round enforced Thursday, together with the president's earlier tariffs on specific sectors such as automobiles and steel, will increase prices 1.8% in the short term, the Budget Lab at Yale estimated. That's the equivalent of a $2,400 loss of income per U.S. household, according to the non-partisan policy research center The projections were based on an analysis of duties implemented this year through Wednesday, as well as a doubling of the levy on items made in India that Trump said would be implemented near the end of August. 'Retailers have been able to hold the line on pricing so far, but the new increased tariffs will significantly raise costs for U.S. retailers, manufacturers and consumers,' Jon Gold, vice president of supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation trade group, said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press. Here's what to know about the tariffs and where U.S. consumers are most likely to notice effects: Trump unveiled sweeping import taxes on goods coming into the U.S. from 66 countries, the European Union, Taiwan and the Falkland Islands in April. He said the 'reciprocal' tariffs were meant to boost domestic manufacturing and restore fairness to global trade. The president paused the country-specific tariffs a week later but applied a 10% tax to most imports. In early July, he began notifying countries that their exports would be subject to higher tariffs on Aug. 1 unless they reached trade deals. A week ago, he pushed the start date to Thursday. In the meantime, Trump announced a 35% tariff on imports from Canada, but delayed action on Mexico while negotiations continued. However, a free trade agreement reached with Mexico and Canada during Trump's first term shields most of those countries' products from punishing duties. The president also ordered a 50% tariff on goods from Brazil. This week, he signed an executive order to take India's tariff rate from 25% to 50% for its purchases of Russian oil. The timing gives India and Russia a chance to negotiate with the Trump administration. Other duties not specific to countries remain in place, such as a 50% tariff on imported aluminum and steel announced in June. Trump also threatened 100% tariffs on computer chips that aren't made in the U.S. The administration has said tariffs are still coming on imported pharmaceutical drugs. The U.S. Commerce Department reported on July 31 that prices rose 2.6% in June, up from an annual pace of 2.4% in May. Earlier in July, the government reported that its primary inflation measure, the Consumer Price Index, also ticked higher in June as the cost of furniture, toys and other frequently imported items increased. Shoppers should be prepared to pay more for clothes and shoes because the combined tariffs 'disproportionately affect clothing and textiles,' according to the Budget Lab at Yale. It estimates that shoe prices will go up 39% temporarily and stay 19% above where they are now. For apparel, the Budget Lab put the comparable figures at 37% and 18%. Overall, Americans face an average tax of 18.6% for imported products, the highest rate since 1933, the research center said. Time to go vegetarian? Cost of chicken and ground beef hit record tariffs will almost certainly result in higher food prices, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation. The U.S. simply doesn't make enough of some products, like bananas or coffee, to satisfy demand. Fish, beer and liquor are also likely to get more expensive, the foundation said. The U.S. Wine Trade Alliance and other alcohol industry trade groups sent a letter to Trump that warned a 15% tariff on European wines and spirits could result in more than 25,000 American job losses and cost the industry nearly $2 billion in lost sales. 'Mr. President, we need toasts, not tariffs, as we head into the most important season for our industry,' read the letter dated Wednesday. Wine distributors and retailers avoided price increases before now by accelerating shipments from France and other EU countries earlier in the year. But with the EU's tariff rate raised to 15% on Thursday, customers may see European wines costing 30% more in September, U.S. Wine Trade Alliance President Ben Aneff said. Backyard barbecues beware: Beef prices are soaring in the USSome automakers already raised prices to counteract tariffs. Luxury sports car maker Ferrari said last week it was waiting for more details of Trump's trade deal with the EU before scaling back a 10% surcharge it put on most vehicles in the U.S. For the most part, automakers waited for details instead of passing on tariff costs to consumers. But that could change. General Motors said on July 22 that the impact of the tariffs could get more pronounced in the third quarter of the year. GM has estimated the tariffs will cost it $4 billion to $5 billion this year. Toyota reported Thursday a 37% drop in profits in the April-June quarter, cutting its full-year earnings forecasts largely because of Trump's tariffs. Even with so many new tariffs kicking in, the tariff situation remains fluid. Trump's use of an emergency powers law to implement tariffs is being challenged in the courts. The case is expected to wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court. Moreover, the tariffs on goods from China haven't been finalized. Consumers may start seeing more effects when the administration ends a tax exemption for small parcels sent from other countries. Trump last week signed an order to suspend the 'de minimis' exemption that has allowed shipments valued at $800 or less to enter the U.S. duty-free. International e-commerce companies have widely used the rule to avoid paying customs charges. Trump withdrew the exemption in early April for goods shipped from China and Hong Kong tariff-free. 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Axios
2 hours ago
- Axios
Judge pauses construction at Alligator Alcatraz
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Politico
2 hours ago
- Politico
An Olympics-sized lobbying initiative
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Caitlin isn't going anywhere so be sure to send your tips to both of us at dbarnes@ and coprysko@ We're on Signal at danielbarnes.13 and caitlinoprysko.17 and on X at @dnlbrns and @caitlinoprysko. 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She also accused Troost of lying that Srivastava is 'a con man.' — 'As a respected firm founded by a former acting head of the CIA, The Arkin Group should have known better than to parrot Srivastava's story without regard for the stacks of evidence, public reporting, and witnesses that were readily available when they were doing it,' Troost's lawyer Jason Masimore, a former federal prosecutor with Brodbecks Law PLLC, said in a statement to PI. — 'This is particularly true since the evidence presented, including sworn witness statements, shows that Srivastava has presented a threat to U.S. national security by posing as a CIA operative in front of world leaders and gaining direct access to top U.S. leaders.' — Devine, the CEO of the Arkin Group, pushed back on the lawsuit in a statement to PI. — 'The Arkin Group looks forward to the truth coming out through the U.S. legal system concerning Mr. Troost — a wealthy European oil trader who is sanctioned by UK, EU, and Swiss authorities for being 'involved in obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia,'' he said. — 'Through the lawsuit he has initiated, Mr. Troost, a public figure, will be required to present evidence under oath, through depositions, interrogatories, and admissions, which will shed light on the extent of his relationships and involvement with the government of the Russian Federation which, fundamentally, in our view, continues to be what this matter is about.' — Kataoka and Srivastava didn't respond to requests for comment. 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Thom Tillis (N.C.) and Susan Collins (Maine) to vote against it.' — 'The Chamber has partnered with state and local chambers of commerce to convene lawmakers and local-business owners around the country to talk about popular but overlooked provisions of the law. … It has already held more than 40 roundtable discussions about the bill's benefits with members of the Senate and House, and plans to hold a total of 100 such events.' 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Slater, who was picked by Trump for the role, saw her two top deputies fired last week after they challenged the terms of the favorable settlement that HPE negotiated with officials in Attorney General Pam Bondi's office. … Slater and the two fired deputies had objected to HPE's use of Davis and other politically connected lawyers to negotiate the settlement, people familiar with the matter said. Those comments got back to Davis and others, prompting them to complain about her leadership.' CALL HER MOMMY: Former Trump aide turned Elon Musk aide Katie Miller announced the launch of a new podcast aimed at conservative women. The podcast won't only cover politics, Miller told Axios, but is intended to be 'a place for conservative women to gather online.' — Miller and her husband, White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller, operated as the power couple of Trump's Washington until she left her role as a special government employee in May along with Musk. —'Miller said in an interview that her husband, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, is 'incredibly supportive' of her new enterprise, and has even pitched in to wrangle guests.' SPOTTED: BGR Group's Nick Iarossi at a million dollar-a-plate quarterly fundraising dinner for MAGA Inc. last Friday night at Bedminster headlined by President Donald Trump, two PI tipsters told Daniel L. His appearance at the fundraiser surprised another attendee, a person in Trump's orbit, since Iarossi was such a big supporter of Ron DeSantis, whose presidential campaign he was the national finance co-chair for. — Iarossi, who remains close to DeSantis, has been a major supporter of Trump ever since DeSantis dropped out. He declined to comment. Jobs report — FleishmanHillard has appointed Rachel Catanach as global managing director, corporate affairs. Michael Moroney, senior partner in the agency's Washington office, has also been promoted to managing director, corporate affairs, Americas. — Jamie Logan has been promoted from manager to director, state government affairs for the American Cleaning Institute. — Cindy Nichols has been elected as the new vice chair of Airports Council International. She currently serves as the director of airports for Sacramento County, CA. — Annika Olson joins Americans for Responsible Innovation as director of government affairs. She was previously political and legislative representative for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. New Joint Fundraisers A Joint Fundraising Vehicle (Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Democracy Mobilization Project PAC, Mark Burns For US Congress, Fair Future NC) New PACs Red Peaks PAC (Super PAC) Standing Together For Utah (Super PAC) Citizens For Carroll Cares Campaign (PAC) New Lobbying REGISTRATIONS Arentfox Schiff LLP: Medallia, Inc. Blue Tusk Communications: Let Experienced Pilots Fly Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis Associates, L.L.C.: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Now Continental Strategy, LLC: Vivex Biologics Etherton And Associates, Inc.: Onebrief, Inc. Francis Edward & Cronin, Inc.: Lewy Body Dementia Association Mcdermott+ LLC: Stationmd Mcguirewoods Consulting (A Subsidiary Of Mcguirewoods LLP): Risepoint, LLC Mr. Robert L. Redding Jr.: National Watermelon Association Net Centric Alliance LLC: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP Obo Eptura, Inc. Rubin, Turnbull & Associates: Embraer Aircraft Holdings, Inc Steptoe LLP: Ameripen Velocity Government Relations, LLC: Assured Space Access, Inc. New Lobbying Terminations Ballard Partners: Shein Technology LLC Bluewater Strategies: Centrus (Fka USec Inc.) Bluewater Strategies: North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition Bluewater Strategies: Olivenhain Municipal Water District Bob Riley & Associates, LLC: Next Step Specialty Pharmacy Carlyle Consulting: Miccosukee Tribe Of Indians Of Florida Government Relations Group, LLC: Curated Investments Health Equality Campaign Inc.: Health Equality Campaign I Street Advocates: Fuse Media, Inc. (Formerly Known As Sitv, Inc.) Paul Hastings LLP: Blockchains Inc. Paul Hastings LLP: Panama Colon Container Port, Inc. Paul Hastings LLP: Star Scientific, Inc. Thunderbird Strategic LLC: Indian Land Tenure Foundation Velocity Government Relations, LLC: Cognitive Space Velocity Government Relations, LLC: Ensemble Government Services, LLC Vitello Consulting: Conservation Logistics, LLC Vitello Consulting: Fortune Metal Group, LLC Vitello Consulting: Hudson Valley Fisheries
