Detention Of Giants Star At Los Angeles Airport Prompts Customs Kerfuffle: Reports

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — San Francisco Giants star Jung Hoo Lee was detained and later released from immigration detention at LAX on Wednesday over issues with travel documents, according to multiple news reports.

Lee's detention was not political in any way, Major League Baseball agent Scott Boras told the San Francisco Chronicle, clarifying that the incident was possibly due to forgotten paperwork.

The incident prompted the office of Rep. Nancy Pelosi to get involved in helping secure Lee's release, according to multiple news reports. It's unclear if Pelosi's office played a significant role in speeding up the process, but Lee was released about an hour later, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

"Earlier today, Jung Hoo Lee experienced a brief travel issue at LAX due to a paperwork issue," the Giants said in a statement to multiple news outlets, including ESPN. "The matter was quickly clarified with the appropriate authorities, and he has since been cleared to continue his travel. We appreciate the professionalism of all parties involved."

The 27-year-old outfielder was returning from South Korea to take part in the Giants' FanFest in San Ramon on Saturday, according to a report from KTLA5.

Lee will be entering his third MLB season this spring. He's quickly become a fan-favorite in his first two years with the Giants. In those two years, one of which was stalled by a left shoulder injury, he's batted .265 with 10 home runs and 63 runs batted in.

In 2023, he signed a six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants.

Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.