A University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduate student has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to the university. This incident occurred at an off-campus residence on a Thursday. The university has acknowledged the event in a letter to students, faculty, and staff, stating they were unaware of the arrest beforehand.
In response to the situation, the university stressed its commitment to supporting affected students. They mentioned resources like Student Legal Service and International Student and Scholar Services to help students navigate such issues. This commitment aligns with the university’s federal immigration policies, which state that campus safety departments do not enforce immigration laws and do not inquire about individuals’ immigration statuses.
Rebecca Cunningham, the university president, along with Vice President for Student Affairs Calvin Phillips and Vice President for Equity and Diversity Mercedes Ramírez Fernández, signed the letter expressing their concern.
Local State Senator Doron Clark expressed dismay over the incident, emphasizing that universities should remain safe spaces for everyone involved—students, staff, and visitors alike.
Representative Ilhan Omar also reacted to the news, noting on X (formerly Twitter) that her office reached out to ICE for further details. She confirmed that the university was uninformed about the arrest and mentioned ongoing communication with the student’s legal counsel and university officials.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in educational environments. Data shows that in recent years, ICE has increased operations near campuses, raising fears among international students. According to a 2022 survey by the American Council on Education, nearly 75% of international students reported feeling anxious about immigration policy changes.
The university continues to advocate for its students, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and informed community. As discussions around immigration policy continue to evolve, the impact on students remains a significant concern for educational institutions across the country.
For more information on the university’s approach to immigration policies, you can visit their federal immigration policies page.
Check out this related article: Tufts University Student Wins Legal Battle: No Deportation to Turkey Without Court Approval
Source linkU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, University of Minnesota
