A Korean national attempting to enter the United States without a visa was arrested at the airport after authorities found child pornography on his phone. The child pornography arrest took place during a routine inspection upon his arrival in Atlanta.
Customs Officer Suspected Inconsistencies
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a Korean man, hereafter referred to as Kang, arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on March 31 on a flight from South Korea.
During the immigration process, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer asked Kang about the purpose of his visit. Kang responded that he was entering the U.S. “for work.” However, the officer found his answer suspicious. A subsequent search of Kang’s belongings, including his phone, uncovered multiple images and videos depicting sexual acts involving minors.
Admitted to Prior Unauthorized Work
Court documents state that Kang voluntarily disclosed a previous visit to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, during which he had worked for $10 an hour—an unauthorized activity under the terms of the program.
Investigators believe Kang violated Section 2252(a)(1) of federal law, which prohibits transporting or shipping child pornography into the U.S. from another country.
Consent Enables Phone Search
Chun Kwan-Woo, an immigration attorney, explained that CBP officers can request to search personal electronic devices at the airport if there is reasonable suspicion. He added that no warrant is required if the traveler consents to the search. Chun emphasized that possession of child pornography is treated as an extremely serious offense in the U.S.
The child pornography arrest underscores the heightened security and legal scrutiny applied at U.S. ports of entry, especially when evidence is discovered during device searches performed with the traveler’s consent.
BY BRIAN CHOI [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
