Summary
A University of Oklahoma professor, Vahid Abedini, was detained by U.S. immigration officials while traveling to a conference, despite having a valid H-1B visa. The incident occurred amidst increased immigration enforcement efforts under President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
- Vahid Abedini teaches Iranian studies at the University of Oklahoma.
- He was detained by ICE on November 22 at an airport on his way to Washington, D.C.
- Abedini holds an H-1B visa, which allows non-U.S. citizens to work in specialty occupations.
- As of late Monday, ICE confirmed Abedini was in their custody.
- The Trump administration has expanded ICE's capabilities, including detention and deportation operations.
- The administration received $45 billion funding to increase detention capacity to 100,000 beds.
- Colleagues and legal teams are working to resolve Abedini’s situation.
- The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of ICE's detention practices.
