A legal showdown is unfolding as Columbia University student Yunseo Chung, 21, sues the Trump administration in an attempt to block what she claims is an unconstitutional effort to deport her over participation in pro-Palestinian protests.
Chung, a legal permanent U.S. resident who immigrated from South Korea at age seven, says immigration officials targeted her dormitory and family home following her arrest at a campus protest in March. Now, her lawsuit accuses the administration of violating her First Amendment rights and retaliating against protected political speech.
Crackdown on Student Protesters
This comes amid an aggressive clampdown by the Trump administration on student-led demonstrations in support of Palestine. Mahmoud Khalil, another high-profile Columbia protester, was detained earlier this month without formal charges, sparking nationwide outcry.
Khalil’s detention and Chung’s lawsuit point to a broader pattern of immigration enforcement targeting pro-Palestinian activists, according to their legal teams. The lawsuit alleges federal authorities are using immigration laws to silence dissent on U.S. campuses.
Chung’s legal filing claims that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began pursuing her just days after a 5 March sit-in at Barnard College. On 8 March, an arrest warrant was issued, and agents visited her parents’ home.
“Protected Speech, Not a Crime”
While Chung was involved in protests, her lawyers stress that she did not speak to media or take a leadership role. Still, the Department of Homeland Security has labeled her conduct “concerning.” No formal charges have been filed.
Her legal team says the case is about more than one student — it’s about the right to protest without fear of deportation. The suit also mentions Cornell PhD student Momodou Taal and Columbia student Ranjani Srinivasan, who reportedly also face deportation.
Political and Legal Firestorm
President Trump has promised to take strong action against what he calls “un-American” demonstrations. His administration has cited the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing the deportation of non-citizens deemed adverse to U.S. national security interests.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that green card and visa holders can be deported for “virtually any reason” under current law.
Meanwhile, Trump has revoked $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, accusing it of failing to curb antisemitism on campus. The university has reportedly complied with administration demands, including forcing protestors to show ID during demonstrations.
A Fight for Rights in a Divided America
Yunseo Chung’s legal battle has reignited debates about freedom of speech, student activism, and the weaponization of immigration enforcement. The lawsuit argues that political expression should not be grounds for removal from the U.S.
“Targeting students for peaceful protest is an abuse of power,” her attorneys argue. Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how far the government can go in policing dissent among non-citizens.
Columbia Student Sues Trump Administration Over Deportation Threat Tied to Pro-Palestinian Protest
