University of Minnesota Graduate Student Detained by Immigration Agents
A graduate student from the University of Minnesota, Dogukan Gunaydin, found himself in a troubling situation when he was detained by immigration agents last week. Contrary to what many speculated, particularly regarding the ongoing pro-Palestinian activism at various institutions, Gunaydin’s situation seems to stem from a more commonplace issue—a 2023 drunken-driving case that led to his guilty plea.
After the university publicly announced on Friday night that one of its students had been taken into custody by immigration officials, a wave of conjecture swept across the campus and beyond. Concerns were heightened by statements from prominent figures, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and various congressional members, who expressed their unease over the incident. Following this, students organized protests in solidarity, raising their voices against what they perceived as an unjust action.
However, as details emerged regarding Gunaydin’s case, it became clear that there was no evidence linking him to any form of activism or political dissent. Gunaydin, a 28-year-old Turkish national, was diligently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration when this unexpected turn of events occurred. In a statement issued via email, the Department of Homeland Security clarified that Gunaydin’s arrest was due to the State Department’s decision to revoke his visa in light of the DUI conviction. The department explicitly noted, “This is not related to student protests.”
Legal experts and immigration attorneys have raised concerns that Gunaydin’s detention might indicate a troubling shift in the approach to immigration enforcement by the current administration. Although it is standard practice for the government to revoke student visas when criminal charges arise, individuals typically have the opportunity to contest such revocations, often with legal representation, or to voluntarily depart the country without facing immediate detainment.
