A disturbing incident at San Francisco International Airport has sparked outrage after a South Korean man alleged he was physically assaulted by US immigration officers. Tae Heung Kim, 41, claims he was violently restrained and injured after being denied entry into the United States.
The Alleged Assault
According to Mr Kim's account, the altercation began when Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers refused his entry despite holding a valid green card. He alleges officers grabbed him by the neck, threw him to the ground, and knelt on his back - reminiscent of the police restraint that killed George Floyd in 2020.
Injuries and Aftermath
The incident left Mr Kim with visible injuries including bruises and abrasions. Photographs show significant marks on his neck and body. He was eventually deported back to South Korea, where he sought medical treatment and legal counsel.
Official Response
While CBP hasn't commented specifically on this case, they maintain that officers are trained to use minimal necessary force. The agency states all use-of-force incidents are reviewed, but advocates argue more transparency is needed in such cases.
Broader Implications
This incident raises fresh concerns about treatment of foreign nationals at US borders and the accountability of immigration officers. It comes amid ongoing debates about border security protocols and the rights of legal permanent residents.
