University of Minnesota Graduate Student Detained by ICE, Sparking Concern and Questions

A graduate student at the University of Minnesota has been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to a statement released this week by university officials. The detention occurred Thursday at an off-campus residence, leaving school leaders troubled by the development.

The student, who is pursuing a business degree at the university’s Twin Cities campus, is among the institution’s international enrollees. Details surrounding the reason for the detention remain unclear at this time. The Associated Press reached out to ICE for comment via email on Saturday but has yet to receive a response.

University administrators emphasized their commitment to supporting the student, noting that legal assistance and additional resources have been made available. They also clarified that the school did not provide information to federal authorities nor receive prior notification of ICE’s actions.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the situation in a post on X, confirming he has been in contact with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “The University of Minnesota is an international destination for education and research,” Walz stated. “We have any number of students studying here with visas, and we need answers.”