The University of Alabama’s doctoral student was detained by U.S. immigration authorities, as confirmed by campus officials on Wednesday. Although the reason for the student’s detention remains unclear, this event has occurred amid reports of the Trump administration’s increasing efforts to target college students for such actions.

The Crimson White, the university’s student newspaper, reported that the Iranian student was a mechanical engineering student in the U.S. on a student visa. The University’s College Democrats group stated that Trump and I.C.E. have caused significant distress for the international community at U.A.

It has not been confirmed whether the arrested student has legal representation. While the university has offered its support, it stated that it would follow immigration laws and cooperate with authorities.

Ozturk, a doctoral student at Tufts University, was also detained by federal immigration agents around the same time. Ozturk was accused of supporting Hamas, but no evidence was presented to substantiate this claim. Despite opposition to her detention, Ozturk’s lawyer reported that her visa was terminated.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/26/ice-university-of-alabama-doctoral-student