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🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Crime & Justice

Maryland 'Teacher of the Year' Detained by ICE in Texas

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • An instructor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Berhanu Kibret, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Dallas-Fort Worth airport.
  • ICE cited an expired visa as the reason for his arrest, though the university stated he had valid work authorization.
  • Kibret, who recently received a

An instructor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Berhanu Kibret, was detained by federal immigration agents at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Kibret's arrest, citing an expired visa. The university stated that Kibret, who teaches at its pharmacy school, has a valid work authorization and expressed hope for a swift resolution to his immigration status.

Dr Kibret has a valid work authorization, so it is our hope that any issues surrounding his status will be quickly resolved and that he will be permitted to continue his work at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.

— University of MarylandThe University of Maryland commented on the arrest of its instructor.

Kibret was returning from a meeting of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, where he received a "teacher of the year" award. The university described him as a "highly valued member" and a "beloved teacher," noting that his detention has caused "great sympathy" and "apprehension" on campus.

According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, Kibret entered the U.S. on June 21, 2021, on a visa set to expire on May 31, 2024. The DHS stated he "overstayed his visa and failed to depart" and will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.

He is an effective and beloved teacher, and a highly regarded colleague. His detention has generated not only great sympathy for his plight, but also a heightened sense of apprehension here on campus.

— University of MarylandThe University of Maryland described the impact of the instructor's arrest on the campus community.

Kibret's arrest comes amid criticism of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies. A previous analysis found that a significant majority of individuals placed into deportation proceedings for the first time under the administration had no criminal convictions. The university has reached out to The Guardian for further comment.

Against our nation’s laws, he overstayed his visa and failed to depart. He will remain in ICE custody pending his immigration proceedings.

— DHSThe Department of Homeland Security explained the reason for the instructor's detention.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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