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Man who moved from South Korea as a toddler detained by ICE despite agreement to self-deport

Jun 13, 2025·Location: South Gate, CA

Country of origin: South Korea

Man who moved from South Korea as a toddler detained by ICE despite agreement to self-deport
Photo via GoFundMe

Justin Chung, who moved to the U.S. from South Korea at age two, was detained by ICE agents at his home despite having agreed to voluntarily depart and having purchased a ticket for June 13. He had been granted clemency and parole after serving time for a youth offense, married his wife Neftali, a U.S. citizen, in October 2023, and had since worked mentoring at-risk teens. ICE notified him on June 12 to prepare for deportation before detaining him, and Neftali, who is six weeks pregnant, is seeking funds for legal assistance and support.

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