Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after a student at the University of Minnesota was detained by federal immigration authorities.
“The University of Minnesota is an international destination for education and research,” Walz wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “We have any number of students studying here with visas, and we need answers,” he added.
Newsweek contacted the office of Walz and DHS for further comment outside of office hours.
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Why It Matters
President Donald Trump has vowed to remove millions of undocumented immigrants from the country as he looks to fulfill his campaign vow of mass deportations. The Republican leader has granted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the authority to conduct arrests in or near sensitive locations such as schools and universities.
The incident surrounding the University of Minnesota student detained by immigration authorities has raised concerns regarding enforcement operations near educational institutions. Walz, who was Kamala Harris‘ running mate, lost the presidential election to the Trump-JD Vance ticket. Immigration played a key role in the 2024 election.
What To Know
ICE agents detained the graduate student from the University of Minnesota earlier this week, the university said in a statement on Friday, describing the incident as “deeply concerning.”
The student was arrested on Thursday at an off-campus residence, according to a statement from the university’s president, Rebecca Cunningham.
“The university had no prior knowledge of this incident and did not share any information with federal authorities before it occurred,” the statement reads.
The University of Minnesota has not publicly disclosed any details about the detained student, except that he was enrolled in the Carlson School of Management.
Jake Ricker, a university spokesperson told Newsweek that the “university is providing support to the student.”
Last month, the Justice Department announced that Minnesota was one of 10 schools that investigators would visit to assess whether they “failed to protect Jewish students and faculty members from unlawful discrimination.”
It comes amid a flurry of targeted enforcement operations directed at Pro-Palestine supporters.
The case of Mahmoud Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident and recent graduate of Columbia University who had his green card revoked, has gripped the nation.
In the nearly three weeks since Khalil’s arrest at Columbia University, other students who took part in pro-Palestinian protests or activities have been detained by federal agents and had their visas revoked. The Trump administration argues that they showed support for Hamas, going against U.S. foreign policy.
Federal agents detained Tufts University doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, on Tuesday which was recorded on surveillance footage while she was walking down a street in Somerville, Massachusetts. Plainclothes officers approached and handcuffed her, though the reason for her detention remains unclear.
Another doctoral student, Iranian Alireza Doroudi who was studying at the University of Alabama, was detained earlier Tuesday. It was not clear why he had been detained.
What People Are Saying
Governor Tim Walz on X: “I just spoke with Homeland Security to get more information and I will share when I learn more.”
The University of Minnesota said in a statement: “The university had no prior knowledge of this incident and did not share any information with federal authorities before it occurred.
“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. Their focus remains on public safety, fostering trust and maintaining strong relationships across the university community.”
Minnesota State Senator Doron Clark said in a social media post: “I am saddened and angered that ICE is operating around the University of Minnesota. Our campuses should be a safe place for all students, staff, and visitors. I am monitoring the situation closely, and encourage you to stay vigilant and well-informed.”
What Happens Next
As the student’s identity remains unknown further updates are expected.