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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Korean American researcher held at airport for weeks over decade-old weed conviction
[Source] A 40-year-old scientist and legal permanent resident has been detained by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at San Francisco International Airport since July 21. Tae Heung 'Will' Kim, who has lived in the U.S. since age 5, was returning from his brother's wedding in South Korea when agents cited a 2011 misdemeanor marijuana conviction as grounds for his detention. Devastated family Kim is a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University developing a vaccine for Lyme disease. According to his legal team, he has previously traveled internationally for academic work without incident. Relatives describe Kim as a devoted son and brother who has spent 35 years in the U.S. and built a career focused on public health research. Sharon Lee, Kim's mother, described her anguish: 'When my other child called and told me they arrested Will, my heart felt like the sky and earth fell. It feels like the world has ended. I've been so worried. We haven't been able to talk with him. I can't sleep or eat. As a mother, I want my son to be safe and free.' Conditions of detention Attorney Karl Krooth, an immigration lawyer in San Francisco, said Kim's detention has far exceeded CBP's internal 72-hour holding limit for airports. 'I've never seen anyone held that long. A prolonged detention indicates to me that there is a degree of coercion or inducement afoot.' Trending on NextShark: Krooth reported that Kim was 'moved within secondary inspection at least twice per day,' kept in windowless rooms with lights on 24 hours a day, denied exercise or fresh air, forced to sleep in a chair, and given only concession food and water. Kim, who has asthma, reportedly struggled to access medication. Since his detention began, he has had almost no communication with family or counsel, and his legal team believes he may now be held at a facility in Arizona. Alarming trend Kim's detention comes amid a rise in cases where legal permanent residents are held over minor or decades-old offenses under stricter immigration enforcement. Civil rights groups and immigration attorneys report that green card holders are increasingly stopped or removed at airports for low-level convictions, including individuals who have spent most of their lives in the U.S. Becky Belcore, co-director of the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium, called Kim's treatment alarming for 'every person who values their freedom and rights.' Belcore criticized both major political parties for failing to represent all residents and called for swift action to protect the rights and freedoms the U.S. claims to uphold. 'Immigrants have been used as a scapegoat for the Trump administration to test the will of the People, and to build the infrastructure to enact an authoritarian regime,' she added. Trending on NextShark: This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Taiwan president's Americas trip shelved over Beijing's objections
[Source] Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has reportedly shelved his planned August trip to diplomatic allies in the Americas amid reports that the Trump administration blocked a New York stopover after Beijing raised objections. State of play: Lai was expected to travel to Belize, Guatemala and Paraguay — Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies in the region — with U.S. stopovers planned for New York and Dallas. But on Monday, his office cited recovery from recent typhoon damage and ongoing U.S. tariff discussions as reasons he has 'no plans to travel overseas in the near future.' Embassy officials in Guatemala and Paraguay later confirmed the visit was postponed indefinitely. Meanwhile, sources reportedly told the Financial Times that the U.S. blocked Lai's New York visit after Beijing objected to Washington. Trade talk timing: The move comes amid Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's trade talks with Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng in Stockholm as the Trump administration sets its eyes on a possible summit with President Xi Jinping. Bessent, however, denied any link between the travel matter and trade negotiations, saying, 'We are very careful to keep trade and national security separate.' Meanwhile, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce dismissed the reports, saying the situation is 'hypothetical' and that 'there have been no plans — travel plans for the president.' The big picture: The reported decision has drawn bipartisan criticism, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warning that it sends 'a dangerous signal' showing the U.S. 'can be bullied by Beijing into silence on Taiwan.' House Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi called it 'another example of the Trump administration caving to China in hopes of reaching a trade deal.' Paraguay, for its part, also faces domestic pressure, with ruling party congressman Hugo Meza saying the country is 'wasting time' maintaining ties with Taiwan. Trending on NextShark: The tensions follow Lai's declaration in June that 'Taiwan is of course an independent country," prompting China's Taiwan Affairs Office to denounce his statements as 'heresy,' 'hostile' and 'separatist.' This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Taiwan's Great Recall: Historic bid to remove 'pro-China' lawmakers fails
[Source] A historic vote in Taiwan on Saturday targeting 24 opposition Kuomintang (KMT) legislators accused of being too friendly with Beijing ended without any removals but nonetheless shook the island nation's political landscape. The so-called 'Great Recall,' Taiwan's largest coordinated recall effort, sought to remove nearly one-fifth of the legislature in a single day. None of the targeted lawmakers lost their seats after all recall votes failed to meet Taiwan's strict requirements. Recall mechanics and turnout thresholds The campaign was driven by civic groups aligned with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), accusing the KMT lawmakers of blocking defense-related legislation and favoring closer ties with Beijing. Petition organizers in each district collected enough signatures to trigger a recall vote. Under Taiwan's recall law, a motion succeeds only if votes in favor exceed votes against and voter turnout reaches at least 25% of eligible voters. Despite millions of ballots cast and significant public interest, none of the 24 recall votes met both criteria. Political context and fallout The recall effort was fueled in part by frustration over legislative gridlock. The DPP won the presidency in January 2024 but lost its legislative majority, while the KMT and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) gained a combined 62 seats. Citizens' groups framed the recall as a push to defend sovereignty and counter pro-China influence within the legislature. KMT leaders condemned the effort as politically motivated while the DPP said it reflected the democratic will of the people. Trending on NextShark: What's next A second wave of recall votes is scheduled for August 23 targeting seven more KMT lawmakers. Analysts say the sustained effort underscores deepening political polarization and may shape local election dynamics in 2026 and national positioning before the 2028 presidential race. The outcome of the August recalls will test whether civic momentum can overcome systemic electoral barriers. This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
Philadelphia cops seek suspects in violent robberies that targeted Asian men
[Source] Philadelphia police are searching for two suspects believed responsible for at least three violent robberies targeting Asian men in Center City's Chinatown area from June 14-16. About the incidents: The Chinatown attack spree began at around 9:30 p.m. on June 14 when a 62-year-old man was approached by two individuals on the 900 block of Cherry Street. When the victim tried to flee, one suspect punched him in the head and face — causing him to fall — before both continued to beat him and steal his wallet. An hour later that night, a 27-year-old man walking near a parking lot on the 800 block of Arch Street was tackled from behind by one suspect, while the other demanded his wallet. They then beat him and stole his wallet and AirPods. The final known attack occurred at 9:30 p.m. on June 16, when two masked suspects wearing all-black clothing confronted a 16-year-old boy in a parking lot on the 100 block of North 9th Street, punching and kicking him before fleeing with $5 that fell from his pocket. What authorities are saying: Officials believe the robberies were racially motivated attacks against Asian men. 'It would appear that these offenders were specifically targeting males of Asian descent, which would make this a hate crime. When we catch these individuals, they will also be charged with ethnic intimidation, along with robbery and related offenses,' Capt. Jason Smith of Central Detectives told WPVI. Authorities released surveillance footage Thursday showing the suspects and concluded from video analysis that other Asian individuals were approached but not robbed, revealing a systematic targeting pattern. Trending on NextShark: Anyone with information about the incidents can call Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit anonymous tips online. This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Yahoo
'Hero' LAPD sergeant fatally struck by vehicle while responding to crash
[Source] Sgt. Shiou Deng, a 26-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, was fatally struck by a vehicle early Monday while responding to a crash on the 405 Freeway in Brentwood, authorities confirmed. Around 1:58 a.m. on June 23, Sgt. Deng stopped on the southbound side of the 405 near Getty Center Drive after witnessing a two-vehicle collision involving a Toyota Tacoma and a sedan. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said Deng activated his patrol SUV's rear amber lights 'in an effort to be able to slow traffic behind him and provide some level of safety for the people who were involved in that collision.' As Deng approached the scene on foot, a third vehicle traveling southbound struck him. He was rushed to UCLA Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. The driver of the Tacoma involved in the original crash also died and a passenger in that vehicle was critically injured. The driver who hit Deng remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Trending on NextShark: No charges have been announced, as the California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident. Deng had served 17 years in LAPD's mental evaluation unit before transferring to patrol in West Los Angeles, where he was promoted to sergeant. Colleagues described him as sharp, compassionate, and deeply committed to public service. 'He died a hero,' said McDonnell at a press conference. 'He was out there caring for others, putting their safety before his own. And he is somebody that we will all look to as an inspiration as we carry on the mission." Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags flown at half-staff across city and state buildings in his memory. At a press conference, Bass said, 'This is a sad day for our city,' and lauded Deng's selflessness. Deng's body was escorted from UCLA by a marching procession of officers and memorials have been set up outside the West LA division where he served. Trending on NextShark: This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
