San Francisco Giants star Lee Jung-hoo was detained by immigration officials, prompting Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and former House Speaker to intervene.
The 27-year-old Giants outfielder was stopped by Customs and Border Protection at Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday because he had forgotten documents in South Korea, Pelosi’s office said in a statement shared by multiple news outlets.
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“Our office is actively working with the Giants, our congressional partners and federal liaisons to resolve this matter and secure Mr. Lee’s swift release,” the two-term former House Speaker said.
The Giants said Lee was later released because he experienced “brief travel issues at Los Angeles International Airport due to paperwork issues.”
A spokesperson for the team told the media: “The matter was quickly clarified by the relevant authorities and he has been cleared to continue traveling. We thank all parties involved for their professionalism.”
San Francisco Giants star Lee Jung-hoo was detained by immigration officials, and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., intervened (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Lee’s agent, Scott Boras, told the outlet san francisco chronicle It had “nothing to do with politics or anything like that.”
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Detention by federal agents has become a hot-button issue amid President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Lee arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday before attending Giants Fan Fest in San Ramon. The tour has multiple stops in Northern California, providing fans with the opportunity to meet players and coaches.
According to his Major League Baseball information, Lee Chong Wei is of Korean descent, but he was born in Nagoya, Japan. His father, Korean baseball star Jong Beom Lee, played for the Chunichi Dragons. During his introductory press conference, Lee called himself the “grandson of the wind.” His father was called the “Son of the Wind.”
Pelosi’s office said the 27-year-old Giants outfielder was stopped by Customs and Border Protection at Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday because he forgot to bring his ID. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Lee will make his major championship debut in March 2024 after playing for the Kiwoom Heroes in South Korea for seven years. Lee signed a six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants in December 2023, ESPN reported at the time, citing unnamed sources.
The Giants will begin spring training for the 2026 season in early February in Scottsdale, Arizona.
