ICE says a University of Minnesota student’s visa was revoked for drunk driving, not protests. (AP Photo)

A University of Minnesota graduate student was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week, prompting concerns among students and political leaders. Initially, the detention raised speculation that it was linked to student protests on campus, particularly over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. However, federal officials later clarified that the detention was a result of a prior DUI violation, not protest activities.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed in a statement that the student’s visa had been revoked by the State Department due to their criminal history. Specifically, the revocation was tied to a past DUI offense, and not to any involvement in protests. This clarification came after significant public outcry over the student’s detention, with many questioning the motives behind ICE’s actions.
Concerns grow over ICE detentions
The news of the student’s detention has sparked protests on the University of Minnesota campus, as students expressed concerns about the lack of transparency from federal authorities. The university had initially refrained from disclosing specific details about the case, respecting the student’s privacy. However, as public pressure mounted, the university reiterated that it was providing legal support to the student and following their lead in all matters.
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota addressed the situation on March 31, 2025, confirming that he had been in communication with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He expressed deep concern about the case, particularly regarding the student’s rights to due process. “No matter the situation, in this country, everyone has due process rights,” Walz said. He is still awaiting further details from federal officials about the case.
A pattern of troubling detentions
The University of Minnesota incident follows a similar case at Minnesota State University Mankato, where another student was detained by ICE on March 28, 2025. President Edward Inch of Minnesota State University confirmed the detention in a letter to the campus community, stating that the university had received no information from ICE about the reason for the detention. He raised alarms about the growing trend of ICE detentions involving students, calling for greater transparency and accountability.
Senator Tina Smith also expressed concerns, pointing to what she described as a “deeply concerning pattern” of ICE actions that appear to disregard students’ rights to due process. Smith pledged to continue pressing the administration for answers and to demand more clarity from federal immigration authorities.
As the situation unfolds, both universities and elected officials are calling for greater clarity and transparency from ICE regarding its actions on campus. The case highlights the tension between student activism and immigration enforcement in the United States.