
A South Korean court sentenced the head of a civic group opposed to illegal migration to one year and two months in prison for conducting unauthorized searches and detentions of foreign nationals his group suspected of being in the country illegally.
The head of Citizen's Protection Solidarity, also a former candidate for a political party in the 2024 general election, was found guilty of investigating and arresting several people from Southeast Asia. Eight other members of the group received suspended prison sentences ranging from six months to one year, probation for two years, and community service of 40 to 80 hours. Others were fined between 5 million and 8 million won.
The incidents occurred between February and March 2024 in areas with a high concentration of foreign nationals in Dalseo-gu, Daegu. The defendants forcibly detained and interrogated individuals they suspected of being illegal aliens, using physical force to subdue them. They primarily targeted foreign nationals who commuted to work and were riding motorcycles without license plates.
The court ruled that the defendants had no authority to conduct searches or detentions, stating, “The defendants, as private individuals, were not entitled to conduct identity checks or arrests. Even if the detained individuals were later confirmed to be illegal aliens, such actions do not justify their detention (by private citizens).”
The court further noted, “Allowing private citizens to act based solely on suspicion would severely disrupt the legal and judicial order. The defendants continued their actions despite being informed of their illegality."
Citizen's Protection Solidarity has been vocal in its claims that undocumented immigrants disrupt the labor market, intensify job competition and reduce tax revenues, thereby straining the state’s ability to provide social services. It has advocated for strict deportation measures and the repeal of refugee laws. However, these efforts have frequently involved controversial and aggressive methods that have led to allegations of human rights violations and unlawful vigilantism.