Importance Score:
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Student Detentions at Minnesota Universities Draw Concern
MINNEAPOLIS – Federal authorities have stated that the recent apprehension of a University of Minnesota graduate student by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stemmed from a prior drunken driving offense, clarifying it was unrelated to any student demonstrations. This explanation comes amid growing unease over student detentions at Minnesota universities.
ICE Detention of University of Minnesota Student
The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement refuting any connection between the student’s detainment and ongoing campus protests. According to the statement, “This action is not connected to student demonstrations. The individual in question was taken into custody following a visa cancellation by the State Department linked to a past criminal record for driving under the influence (DUI).”
Student Protests and Official Reactions
News of the student’s detention, coupled with an initial absence of official clarification, triggered student demonstrations and expressions of apprehension from university administrators and political figures. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz informed reporters on Monday that he had discussed the matter with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Friday and was awaiting further information regarding the situation.
Minnesota State University Mankato Student Also Detained
Separately, officials at Minnesota State University Mankato disclosed on Monday that one of their students had also been detained by ICE.
President Edward Inch conveyed in a message to the university community that the student was apprehended on Friday at a residence situated off-campus.
“No justification was provided. The University has not received any communication from ICE, nor have they requested any information from us,” President Inch stated. “I have reached out to our elected representatives to communicate my worries and seek their assistance in stopping this activity within our community of learners.”
Minnesota State University Mankato has not publicly identified the student, nor specified the student’s nationality or academic discipline. ICE has not yet responded to inquiries regarding details of this particular case.
Growing Concerns Over ICE Actions
“This is evolving into a profoundly disturbing pattern, where ICE is detaining students with minimal to no explanation… and disregarding their rights to due process,” remarked U.S. Senator Tina Smith in a released statement. “I will continue to press the administration for answers concerning these arrests and strive to obtain answers from federal immigration authorities about this case.”
The University of Minnesota has also refrained from identifying its detained student.
The University of Minnesota student, taken into custody at an off-campus dwelling on Thursday, was enrolled in the business school at the Minneapolis campus. University spokesperson Andria Waclawski mentioned that the institution had no additional updates on Monday. She had previously indicated that they were respecting the student’s request for privacy and following their lead, while simultaneously providing the student with legal assistance and other forms of support.
Governor Walz Emphasizes Due Process Rights
Governor Walz articulated on Monday, “A significant concern here is that regardless of the circumstances, in this country, everyone is entitled to due process rights, and our worry is whether those due process rights are being upheld.”
Context of Recent Immigration Enforcement
The Trump administration has invoked a rarely utilized statute permitting the secretary of state to revoke visas of non-citizens deemed a potential threat to foreign policy interests. Over half a dozen individuals associated with universities are known to have been recently detained or deported. A majority of these detainees have expressed support for pro-Palestinian causes during campus demonstrations related to the conflict in Gaza.
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