Helped Illegal Migrants Escape and Injured an Officer, Yet Avoided Prison: Why the Court Chose a Suspended Sentence
🔍 Case at a Glance
Who
– A 66-year-old factory official (identified as “A”)
– A 34-year-old immigration enforcement officer (identified as “B”)
What Happened
Immigration officers conducted a raid after receiving a report that multiple undocumented migrants were working at a factory in Namyangju.
As Officer B attempted to stop an undocumented worker escaping via a ladder, A physically intervened.
A grabbed the officer’s left hand and bent his fingers backward.
Injuries
Officer B suffered injuries requiring three weeks of medical treatment.
Outcome of the Incident
Due to the obstruction, some undocumented migrants successfully escaped the scene.
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⚖️ Criminal Charges
– Infliction of Bodily Injury
– Obstruction of official duties (assaulting a public officer during enforcement)
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🏛️ Court Ruling
Court: Uijeongbu District Court, Namyangju Branch
Sentence:
6 months in prison
(Suspended for 2 years)
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🧠 Why a Suspended Sentence?
The court acknowledged that the offense was serious, emphasizing:
The defendant’s actions directly enabled undocumented migrants to flee.
The obstruction of immigration enforcement was not minor.
However, the judge reduced the punishment after considering:
The defendant admitted the crime.
He showed clear remorse.
He reached a settlement with the injured officer.
No indication of high risk of repeat offending.
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🎯 Key Takeaway
> Even when a defendant physically injures a public officer and disrupts immigration enforcement, Korean courts may still opt for a suspended sentence if remorse, admission of guilt, and victim compensation are convincingly demonstrated.
Article: https://m.sidae.com/article/2026020714461594516
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