University of Minnesota says ICE detained a graduate student

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials Thursday detained a University of Minnesota graduate student at an off-campus residence, according to an email to students and staff from the University of Minnesota.

The international graduate student was enrolled at the school’s Carlson School of Management on the Twin Cities campus, according to emails sent Friday evening. The email was signed by University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham, Vice President for Student Affairs Calvin Phillips and Vice President for Equity and Diversity Mercedes Ramírez Fernández. Carlson School Dean Jamie Prenkert sent a separate email to the school’s students and staff.

“The University had no prior knowledge of this incident and did not share any information with federal authorities before it occurred,” the email said. “It is important to note that our campus departments of public safety, including UMPD, do not enforce federal immigration laws, and our officers do not inquire about an individual’s immigration status.”

The news comes days after a Turkish national and doctoral student at Tufts University was detained by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents. Her lawyer said the arrest came without explanation.

Gov. Tim Walz said in a post on social media Friday that he had spoken with federal Homeland Security officials and that he will share what he’s learned.

”The University of Minnesota is an international destination for education and research. We have any number of students studying here with visas, and we need answers,” Walz said.

State Sen. Doron Clark, DFL-Minneapolis, said he was “angered and saddened.”

“Our campuses should be a safe place for all students, staff, and visitors,” Clark said.

Minneapolis City Council member Robin Wonsley, whose ward includes part of the U’s campus, condemned the ICE action.

“This frightening reality underscores the need for the city of Minneapolis, University of Minnesota and all local governments to clearly and unambiguously condemn the Trump administration’s cruel and racist attacks, and invest resources into protecting vulnerable residents,” Wonsley said in an email to constituents.

In early February, the Trump administration announced it would investigate the U of M’s Twin Cities campus and several other colleges nationally, alleging the schools allowed antisemitic harassment and acts of intolerance against Jewish students. The U said at the time it would cooperate with the investigation, but denied that it allowed students to be targeted and said that it stands against antisemitism in part by responding to reported incidents.

Correction (March 29, 2025): A previous version of this story contained a photo with the incorrect spelling Abaki Beck’s name. The photo has been removed.

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