Graduate Student Arrested by ICE at University of Minnesota
In a troubling incident that has raised concerns within the academic community, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended a graduate student from the University of Minnesota earlier this week. The university issued a statement on Friday, describing the situation as “deeply concerning.”
The student was detained on Thursday at a residence located off-campus. University President Rebecca Cunningham expressed the institution’s surprise, stating, “The university had no prior knowledge of this incident and did not share any information with federal authorities before it occurred.” This highlights a significant gap in communication between the university and federal immigration officials.
While the university refrained from disclosing the student’s name, nationality, or the specific type of visa they held, spokesperson Jake Ricker confirmed that the individual was enrolled in the Carlson School of Management. The lack of transparency surrounding the student’s case has raised further questions among peers and faculty.
As of now, ICE officials have not responded to inquiries regarding the specific circumstances of this arrest. This incident is part of a broader trend where ICE has increasingly targeted international students and scholars at American universities. Recent cases include several students from Columbia University, as well as individuals associated with institutions such as Brown, Tufts, Cornell, and the University of Alabama.
Another noteworthy case that has drawn significant attention from civil liberties advocates involved Mahmoud Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident and recent Columbia University graduate who faced the revocation of his green card. Such incidents are prompting renewed discussions about the treatment of international students and the implications of immigration enforcement within academic settings.
