On August 2, the Diocese of New York joined community leaders to rally for the release of two parishioners unjustly detained by ICE after routine court hearings: Yeonsoo (“Soo”) Go, daughter of the Rev. Kyrie Kim, and Elizabeth “Ketty” de los Santos, a devoted member of St. Bartholomew’s, White Plains. Just two days later, on August 4, a third parishioner of the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin was also detained during a regular ICE check-in at 26 Federal Plaza.
Thanks to the advocacy and public witness of the members of our Diocese and community leaders, Soo was released on August 4 and reunited with her mother. Governor Hochul personally called Bishop Matthew Heyd to offer congratulations.
Wide media coverage, including reports from CNN, NBC, The Washington Post, Newsweek, The Korea Times, and local New York outlets, ensured Soo’s case drew international attention and mobilized lawmakers, faith leaders, and immigrant justice advocates. This coalition of voices made a difference.
Meanwhile, Ketty remains in detention in Louisiana under challenging conditions. Her rector, the Rev. Este Gardner, shared how deeply St. Bart’s misses her presence:
“She is a grandmother, a baker, and a faithful member of our parish family. Please pray for her.”
The Diocese’s Vice-Chancellor, Mary Davis, continues to coordinate legal support and advocacy, while Bishop Allen Shin joined a vigil for Ketty organized by Rev. Gardner. In addition, the Rev. Ann Marie Witchger, Rector of St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery, and Ashley Gonzalez, Special Projects Coordinator at the Diocese, continue to accompany, advocate for, and strengthen our collective work of supporting immigrants and building sanctuary.
Our work continues. The Diocese has joined immigrant rights organizations in calling for the courts to be true sanctuaries, places of justice, not fear. As Bishop Heyd reminds us, to be people of faith is to be sanctuary: to show up, to speak out, and to never give up.
We rejoice in Soo’s release, we continue to pray for Ketty and others in detention, and we commit ourselves anew to the work of dignity, compassion, and justice.